Skype-A-Scientist

Skype-A-Scientist matches teachers with scientists all around the world. This gives students the opportunity to get to know a “real scientist” and ask them questions on the unit they are learning.  Our class was fortunate enough to be paired with Dr. Jacob Malcom who is a Senior Endangered Species Analyst for Defenders of Wildlife out of Washington, DC. The science unit we are currently focused on is human and earth activity: conserving resources. Our class had such a great conversation with Dr. Malcom and it sparked great conversation following the skype session.

The continued curiosity allowed us to begin inquiry projects. Students brainstormed a list of various questions they still had and wanted to dive deeper. Some of the questions were:

• Are there other pollinators other than bees? If not, what attributes would be needed to create a pollinator.
• If we don’t practice conservation what will be the lasting effect?
• What is the importance of plants? Are there specific plants that are more beneficial than others?
• Why are bees going extinct?
• How will the extinction of various animals and plants affect humans or other wildlife?

The students were then put into pairs based on their interest where they researched this topic in depth. Once the students collected valuable information, they created either a poster or slideshow to broadcast the information they created. The students were then able to share their information to their curious classmates. During these small group presentations, students revealed their in depth learning and showed their enthusiasm for the question they research.

 

It was such a great experience being able to skype a professional in the field in which we were learning about. I was so impressed by my students who wanted to gain deeper insight in topics that provided them with curiosity. I loved using inquiry to guide a research project!