2020

Red Zone Report – November 2020

Read the report: Red Zone – November 2020 [PDF] The Red Zone was a general science-themed Zone, which ran from 2 to 27 November 2020. The activity ran for longer than previous I’m a Scientist Zones (4 weeks instead of 2). It also featured more scientists (over 30 instead of 6). This was to offer greater flexibility to teachers in how, and when, they can take part in I’m a Scientist. The Red Zone was funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover 2019 programme. Scientists 32 scientists created profiles in the Zone. 30 engaged with students through live Chats and/or Ask questions. Scientists from a broad range of fields and career stages took part. For example: Aisling O’Connor – Research Officer at the VistaMilk SFI research centre Ayesha Sharif – PhD student studying nanoparticle conduction at NUI Galway Boris Galkin – postdoctoral researcher at the CONNECT telecommunications research centre … Continue reading

Posted on January 18, 2021 by modtom in 2020 | Comments Off on Red Zone Report – November 2020

Green Zone Report – Stay at home 2020

Read the report: Green Zone Report – Stay at home 2020 [PDF]

In March 2020, schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating uncertainty in education. Many STEM enrichment activities for students were cancelled.

The Green Zone (green.imascientist.ie) was part of the I’m a Scientist, Stay at home event.

The Zone ran over 6 weeks and was funded by Science Foundation Ireland.
■ 80 scientists created profiles in the Zone, and 66 engaged with students in live chats and answering questions. 40 of these were new to the I’m a Scientist activities.
■ Scientists from a broad range of areas and career stages took part. For example, Roisin Jones is a chemistry researcher at ThermoFisher Scientific, Simon Spichak works at University College Cork as a Neuroscientist, and Dimitar Shterionov is an assistant professor in computing at ADAPT Centre in Dublin.
■ 191 students from 15 schools all over Ireland logged into the Zone. 12 of these schools had taken part in a previous I’m a Scientist activity.
■ 82% of participating students came from DEIS or underserved schools.
■ 25 live chats took place during the event. 147 posted questions were approved and sent to the researchers who responded with 896 answers.
■ On average, 6 researchers attended each live chat session, providing students with a wide variety of roles and people to learn about.
■ Each week, students voted for their favourite Scientists of the Week, with four scientists announced as winners during the event. Continue reading

Posted on September 24, 2020 by modem in 2020, SFI, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Green Zone Report – Stay at home 2020