Skype a Scientist

WHAT IT IS 

Skype a Scientist makes science accessible through fun, personal connections with scientists. Students will learn more actively if they can have their questions answered by a primary source, an expert in the field. Students can also envision what a career in science or math will look like, helping connect content to real-world topics. The site allows educators to enter criteria and get paired with a scientist who can come speak to a class virtually. They have an extensive, global database of scientists and provide professional development for the experts and educators who use the resource. 

WHY WE LIKE IT 

EMPOWERMENT—Skype a Scientist supports teachers in expressing their own curricular and class needs by matching them with a scientist who can help.

FLEXIBILITY—Skype a Scientist actively promotes inclusivity and diversity in the sciences by amplifying women in STEM and embracing antiracist approaches to teaching and learning. 

CURIOSITY—Skype A Scientist embraces students' curiosity and enables them to get authentic answers directly from working scientists. 

UTILITY—Skype a Scientist does the work of connecting classrooms with working scientists. Teachers simply submit a short form. 

TIPS 

Rather than surprise your students, let them be part of the decision-making process when choosing what kind of scientist to invite to your classroom and how to use your time with the scientist. 

Watch previously recorded sessions with scientists on Skype a Scientist's YouTube channel.

Check out the science trivia protocol to make a trivia day in your classroom.