It’s time to choose the themed zones for the June I’m a Scientist event. Here’s a list of suggested topics (these include ones we’ve used before, but there’s no reason not to use them again!).
Teachers, please vote for which themed zone(s) you’d most like your class to take part in. There’s more explanation about zones under the poll.
If there’s another theme you’d really like to see, then email us (rosie@gallomanor.com) or let us know in the comments.
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Further explanation about zones
How do I decide what themed zone to pick? It’s not a huge deal. The main point of the I’m a Scientist event is that students get an insight into How Science Works/HSW (particularly, how it really works). They are talking to real scientists, getting to see scientists are real people. They get insight into issues like science funding. So don’t get too caught up on the themes – HSW should still be the real focus. But a themed zone gives you the option of doing some more detailed subject work. Pick one that ties in with a topic you are studying, or one you think will capture your students’ interest.
Why do you have zones at all? To encourage students engaging more deeply with the issues. During I’m a Scientist students have to choose which scientist gets a prize of £500. Students can only choose out of the five scientists in their zone – this is so they have a chance to really get to know those scientists and think in more depth about which they will choose. If we didn’t have zones and students could vote for any of 100 scientists then we believe more would be choosing on who’s got the nicest picture, etc.
Are all zones themed? No. Half the zones will be themed. Half will be ‘general’ – this means a mix of scientists studying all different topics. General zones are named after elements. Have a look at the 2010 archive for an idea of the range of scientists, e.g. in Aluminium Zone we had everything from volcanoes to chicken behaviour.
Should I go for a themed zone or a general zone? Up to you, much of the experience (and the learning) should be the same in both. A themed zone can give you a more in-depth look at a given topic, a general zone can give students a better idea of the breadth of science. After the event last year we asked the teachers who’d taken part whether they’d rather be in a themed or a general zone next time and it was almost exactly 50/50. Once we’ve picked the zone themes for the June event (on Tues 26th April) we’ll email all registered teachers asking for your zone preferences, so you don’t have to decide now.
