Virtual School Programs

Ask a Scientist 

March & April, 2021

The Ask a Scientist program is a great way to introduce students to your studies, make connections to their classroom curriculum, and share information about your career path and other career opportunities in your field. We’ll connect you directly with K12 educators across Michigan whose students are curious to learn all about your area of expertise.

Throughout the months of March and April, programs will take place online through Zoom, Google hangouts, Skype, or whatever online platform is most comfortable for you. Your contact information will be shared directly with teachers who will contact you to work out the specifics (what day/time, how you will meet virtually, and what grade their students are in). 

 

Fill out an application today! 

 

How to prepare

This program is meant to be informal, but please be prepared with a 15-20 minute presentation on your area of expertise. Your presentation should be jargon-free and get students excited about your field. Demonstrations or a short presentation deck with images or videos of some sort are encouraged! 

 

Things to consider

• Include a short demonstration, engaging videos, or trivia games

• End your presentation with clear take-away messages

• Weave in school curriculum from the Next Generation Science Standards

• Why is your area of study important and relevant to their lives? 

• What are the most exciting and rewarding parts of your job? 

• What inspired you to pursue your type of work?

• What is your vision for the future in your field that motivates you each day

The entire presentation should last 30-45 minutes in total  including time for questions unless otherwise agreed on between yourselves and the teachers. 

 

How schools will prepare

In order to help spark conversations and keep students engaged, we will ask teachers to have their students each prep 3 questions to ask in advance of your presentation. You may not get through all of these questions, but the hope is to get students thinking and curious about your area of study 

 

Next steps & what to expect

After you fill out an application form, the Science Festival team will put together a database for teachers containing your program information and contact information. You should hear from us in early December about your acceptance. 

Starting in January 2021, teachers will be able to reach out to you directly to set up programs. The Festival team will be in touch in the weeks leading up to your programs reminding teachers to prepare their student questions and collect information about the programs you’ve set up. At any time, please feel free to reach out to the festival team to have your program taken off the list if  you have reached your capacity for school sign ups. 

 

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to us at anytime at scifest@msu.edu. Questions specific to school programs can be directed to Katherine Hagman at hagmanka@msu.edu.

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