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The Challenge:

The direct connection of scientist-student-teacher can be inspiring, eye-opening and life changing. I have connected many of my students with scientists and the results are astounding. When students and teachers connect with STEM professionals, it makes the basic information that students learn in class so much more relevant. For example, I had a team of students working on artificial photosynthesis and 3-D printing. The students connected with a photosynthesis researcher at Penn State University and a representative of a 3-D printing company. The work that the students were doing was validated by the connection and motivated the students to continue to delve into their work with great vigor. There have also been instances in which students decided to pursue a career in science as a direct result of their interaction with a scientist.

 A Solution:

There are many ways to connect your student(s) to a scientist. I will be covering some now and others in future KBLOGS. One website, which is available globally, is SKYPE A SCIENTIST. The website states, “We're connecting scientists with classrooms (and more) across the globe”. Teachers, groups and families can search through a list of specific scientists or request scientists from general categories of scientific topics.  They even host science trivia nights for adults and have a program called “Skype a Scientist Live” that runs once a month through May where you and/or your students can connect with a scientist through Skype. I love the fact that they have a wide variety of scientists and topics. They also have recorded previous sessions on a YouTube channel. All STEM teachers and homeschoolers should make SKYPE A SCIENTIST a key part of their teaching toolbox.y age.

Resources:

https://www.skypeascientist.com/ - Skype a Scientist website

https://confirm.skypeascientist.com/search - Search for Scientists

https://www.skypeascientist.com/skype-a-scientist-live.html - Skype a Scientist Live

https://www.youtube.com/skypeascientist - Recorded Skype Sessions

https://www.skypeascientist.com/after-hours-trivia.html - Trivia for Adults