I started last year on a whim through Twitter asking if any scientists would be willing to Skype with my kids. There was no way for me to know if any would say yes to talking with 8th graders. My attitude of it can’t hurt to ask was a benefit because what was the worst thing that would happen, the scientist would say no? They can’t say yes if you don’t ask.
Now, I’m not going to share everything here since I am doing a session at the Kentucky Science Teacher Association fall conference on this very subject, but I will say ask them. They want to share, they want to help, they want to help inspire. This past week I was able to talk with a Dr Michelle LaRue, a climatologist and had a blast. It was worth the time it took from content since it helped get some of my kids excited about science! How do I know it did, because when you hear kids talking in the hall about it, when their parent email you about it the next day, you know it got them excited. If you are in Lexington, Kentucky November 5th through the 7th you should come to the KSTA conference to learn more about how to help get these experiences in your class.
I wish the commute wasn’t so far, I would love to attend your session Patrck! I am wondering about helping my professional learning team find scientist collaborators?
Would love the chance to sit and talk science with you. I could learn a lot from you.
Love your idea for skying. Wouldn’t it be super cool if you could broadcast your skyping session?
I try to invite my administrators and any other teacher on plan to come watch.
Love it Patrick! My goal has been to have 2 video chats a month with scientists and students. I have not started yet so I am 2 months behind. Thank you for the motivation to get going for this school year.
Thanks Adam. I have another setup for the middle of this month and working on another one. The scientists I have run into across twitter have been fantastic about wanting to talk with my students.
Hoping to attend your session at KSTA!!!!
Hope to see you there.