I’m a Geoscientist is an online event where students get to meet and interact with real geoscientists. It’s a game-show-style competition between the geoscientists, where students are the judges.
Students submit questions, which the researchers try to answer by the next day. Students then have live online Facebook-style chats with the geoscientists, where they ask questions, learn more about the geoscientists, and let them know their opinions. It takes place online over a two-week period.
The next I’m a Geoscientist zone will run from 9-20 March 2015.
What’s involved?
You interact online with school students, answering their questions about Earth, planetary and space science, research, and just about anything else. You also listen to students’ opinions on geoscience and get them thinking about how geoscience affects their daily lives.
Geoscientists spend a few hours a day split between answering questions in their own time, and can book live chats during the school day.
The first event ran in June 2014. Have a look at the June 2014 Earth Zone to see the types of questions students asked the geoscientists taking part.
The students:
ASK you questions
CHAT to you online about you, your research and geoscience
Then VOTE for the geoscientist they think has best talked about their subject area and work, to win €500 to spend on a science engagement project.
You need: A computer with an internet connection and a basic understanding of English (and that’s all!)
Answering questions: Don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ – you will be asked many questions which are not in your area, and it shows students that geoscientists don’t know the answers to everything!
Why take part?
- Taking part in I’m a Geoscientist develops your communication skills – this is the most mentioned benefit.
- It can excite you about your own science, and get you thinking differently.
- You will make a difference. And you’ll be learning too. Teenagers ask all sorts of questions – from the cheeky to the thought-provoking. They fizz with energy and can be infectious company.
- Strengthens links with students at local schools
The event is funded by the European Geosciences Union (EGU) and is open to any Earth, planetary and space scientists who are members of the EGU. If you are not a member but would like to participate in I’m a Geoscientist, you can get your membership online.
Geoscientists’ Resources
Scientist Briefing Notes
The resources for scientists taking part in the most recent event are all below. They are designed to help scientists get the most out of taking part, and to guide them through the site.
We believe that information should be free, so this part of the site is accessible to everyone. All scientists are free to use anything we’ve created on the site. This material has been created by Gallomanor (unless otherwise stated) and we have NOT copyrighted it. All material is licensed under a (CC) Creative Commons attribution license.
If you have any questions, then please email us on admin@iag.local.ddev.site or call +44 1225 326892.
