Despite the challenges of the past year, I’m a Scientist and I’m an Engineer reached 2,172 students from 58 schools across Ireland.

Students asked 2,985 questions and took part in 118 live chats, writing 17,797 lines.

From their homes and classrooms students across Ireland took part in activities that support their science capital: they asked questions about science; they engaged with, and got to know Irish researchers, engineers, and STEM professionals; they learnt about the transferability of science; and they saw STEM as relevant to their daily lives.

This report summarises our 2020 activities.

Read the report: I’m a Scientist and I’m an Engineer Ireland 2020: Summary Report [PDF]

Summary:

• We ran 5 zones:
  • 3 I’m an Engineer zones: Automation, Environment, Health.
  • 2 general I’m a Scientist zones.
• 2,172 students from 58 schools took part:
  • 82% of students actively engaged through asking questions, joining live chats, posting comments, and casting votes.
  • 61% of participating schools were in SFI target counties, 17% were DEIS schools.
  • Students took part in activities which support the dimensions of science capital, including: science literacy, seeing science as relevant to everyday life, knowledge about the transferability of science/science qualifications, and especially, knowing people in science-related jobs.

• 96 scientists and 18 engineers took part:

• • Scientists and engineers increased their skills, confidence, and enthusiasm towards public engagement.

• We scaled back and adapted the activities we offered this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• • Fewer I’m a Scientist zones, but run over a longer period of time with more scientists available, and more flexibility for booking chat times.
  • Improved support for teachers to take part remotely with improved registration, reporting, and chat booking systems.