The I’m a Scientist project has been running for a long time. Since 2014, over 54,000 students have directly interacted with more than 700 scientists and experts. Fair access has always been at the heart of what we do. Find out more about what widening participation means to us.
Linking STEM outreach with widening participation in HE:
I’m a Scientist has a focus on STEM and what it means to be a scientist. We know that many science careers require a degree, and a quick look at the national careers service science and research job profiles confirms that. Over 80% of the jobs listed would normally require a degree.
To have a career in STEM most students will need a degree. Building stronger links between activities that help young people identify with science (I’m a Scientist), and activities that increase progression to HE (outreach activities) makes sense.
In reality, the links are already there. I’m a Scientist is a student led activity and questions about how scientists got into science are in abundance. Every profile covers their education history. Over 40% of the scientists are PhD students who bring their recent undergraduate experience to the event.
Impact on students:
I’m a Scientist focuses on students identifying with scientists, and identifying themselves as future scientists. Students being more positive about studying STEM at their next stage of education demonstrates the impact of the project.
Overall, 79% of students are interested in studying science as part of their post-16 options after taking part in I’m a Scientist, compared to 52% before the event.
We also ask teachers about the event, and this is what they say:
“Giving the kids an opportunity to speak to a range of scientists with different backgrounds. As we don’t have a major university very near us the kids wouldn’t get this chance” – Teacher, March 17 Feedback Survey
“The chat evidences individualised responses, In a very short time I learnt a lot about my students’ personal interests in science. It is a very special opportunity for them particularly since many of them do not have anyone in their families that has been to university. It helps dispels some of the myths associated with media presentations/ cultural perceptions of scientists.” – Teacher, March 17 Feedback Survey
“Great way of getting pupils to think about what scientists actually do. Break down barriers and let pupils see that they could do that.” – Teacher, November 16 Feedback Survey
We evaluate all of our projects and events and we know that students, scientists and teachers find I’m a Scientist a valuable experience; in fact, 100% of teachers who filled in the post-event survey would recommend taking part to a colleague.
It’s also beneficial for the scientists taking part, with 99% saying they enjoy the event. Find out more information on what it’s like for the scientists here.
Why do we want to work with universities, outreach teams and NCOP consortia?
In most cases we want to work with the same students. Everyone has their own priority students, including us. Ensuring disadvantaged young people are taking part in a wide range of aspiration raising activities is what we’re all trying to do.
We know that a programme of progressive activities has the most impact, and subject specific interventions should form a part of that.
How can I’m a Scientist add to your widening participation, outreach and NCOP programmes?
Whether you want to guarantee places for your target schools or get scientists from your institution talking to widening participation students, I’m a Scientist can deliver. Get in touch with naomi@mangorol.lato find out more.
How much will it cost?
As a not for profit company all funding goes directly to running I’m a Scientist and I’m an Engineer UK. To provide I’m a Scientist as a free activity for UK state schools, we work with a wide range of organisations to fund the events. You can find out more about Mangorolla CIC at mangorol.la/ and other funders of the project at about.imascientist.org.uk/funders/
To deliver this activity to your target schools you can fund places exclusively for them. For March 2017, over 400 classes applied for 200 places. Your funding will create capacity for your target schools.
The standard cost is £300* per class based on 20 classes and places can be split across multiple events. With an average of 20 students per class that’s equivalent to £15* per student for two weeks of aspiration raising science engagement with five scientists.
In addition, teachers select their preferred zones, tailoring the event to their students. Where possible we put one of your scientists in their zone. For every 10 classes funded, we guarantee participation of one scientist from your university/consortia.
*All costs exclude VAT. If you have a specific aim or idea of how this event could support your overall aims, we can offer bespoke packages.
