Teachers: Connect your students with computer scientists

I’m a Computer Scientist is a student-led, online enrichment activity that connects students with diverse people working in a range of roles using computer science.

It actively engages 89% of students. It’s moderated, safe and secure. It is flexible and easy to use for ages from 10 to 18. Thanks to funding from the NCCE, taking part is free for state-maintained schools.

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1. Give context to your teaching

Students gain insight into practical applications of their classroom subjects. They bridge the gap between theory and real life, developing their understanding of their studies in computing. 

“I would like to do this year-round, in all science lessons, across the school“

– Laurette, Teacher

2. Give all students an equal voice

The text-based platform supports all students in having a voice, and asking the questions that interest them.

This approach supports equality, diversity, and inclusion. Students have equal opportunities to find someone they relate to – your Chats will include a female computer scientist.

“… scientists in the classroom is good but you don’t have 100% engagement. I’m a Scientist takes that away: everybody’s got questions”

– Amanda, Teacher

3. Bring careers into the curriculum

Students get personalised careers advice from a diverse range of professionals in different workplaces with different career paths. I’m a Computer Scientist meets 6 of the Gatsby Good Guidance Benchmarks.

“The students were really impressed with some of the career paths of some of the candidates and found it really interesting from a career aspect […] so it was a very worthwhile experience.” – Gemma, Teacher

4. Support students’ science capital

The activity introduces students to people who use computer science.

By building connections with these people, students discover how computer science, and by extension, a STEM-related career, could be for ‘someone like me’.

“The class were pleased to see the diversity of the scientists involved in the chat, particularly someone with autism”. – Teacher, 2024

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The I’m a Computer Scientist activity

Show your students how computing can align with their interests, in an enjoyable and personable way. 

During the activity, students: 

• Learn about up to 40 relevant computer scientists through their profiles, including their CVs
• Connect with a diverse range of computer scientists in 30-minute, text-based, online Chats
• Deepen their understanding and continue engaging with the computer scientists by sending follow-up questions
• Decide which computer scientist deserves the £500 winner’s prize
• Review their learning through a facilitated discussion

We have designed resources to support your teaching, including lesson plans, prompt sheets, and learning outcomes.

“When students are engaged and start to see the real life impact of a subject, they’re more enthusiastic about it – I noticed an increased motivation to learn following I’m a Scientist.”

Emily Tulloch, Science teacher

"The pupils loved it, have asked to do it again as well. What fascinated them the most was that the scientists were not necessarily the most academic at school but yet still became a scientist and so opens it up to anyone who is invested."

Rachel Causey, Caroline Chisholm School, 2022

“Today’s chat was fantastic. The class were so enthusiastic and full of excitement after the chat finished. I’ve had one child decide that he wants to be a physiologist and another who has decided that a career is science is their way forward.”

Teacher, 2021

"The students felt part of the wider community by being able to converse with people who do not know about their disabilities and therefore are not pre judged. All of them want to say how much they really enjoyed being able to engage at their level."

Teacher, 2021

"When you bring scientists into the classroom, it’s good but you don’t have 100% engagement. [I'm a Scientist] takes that away: everybody’s got questions to ask.”

Teacher, 2021

"This is a brilliant opportunity to ask a range of scientists about their careers as well as developing their knowledge of science! ”

Teacher, 2021

"Students were enthused in different ways. We have a little book area in the corner of the room and it largely goes unnoticed. A student popped by during her free to look through a child psychology book on the shelves. This has definitely had the type of impact I was hoping for."

Teacher, 2021

"Conversation ranged from professional to simple questions , they were answered with sensitivity and engaged pupils as they were able to converse on their level."

Teacher, 2021

“I was able to ask questions that are important to me and my interests.”

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More information

• Teacher Guidance
• Safeguarding and privacy

Questions? Email us at support@imascientist.org.uk