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. You can take part when it suits you, throughout the school year.

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Support students’
science capital

The activity introduces students to people who use computer science.

Students make connections that help them to see that STEM could be for ‘someone like me’. Find out more ❯

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

Inclusive
enrichment

A text-based platform gives all students an equal voice to ask their own questions.

Students have equal opportunities to find someone they relate to – your Chats will include a female computer scientist.

“[STEM professionals] in the classroom is good but you don’t have 100% engagement. I’m a… takes that away: everybody’s got questions.”
– Amanda, Teacher

Give context to
your teaching

I’m a Computer Scientist shows students real-life applications of their classroom studies.

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.”
– Lauretta, Teacher

Bring careers into the curriculum

Students get personalised careers advice from professionals in different workplaces with different career paths. I’m a… 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.”
– Gemma, Teacher

More benefits to taking part ❯

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How it works: 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.

"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

"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

"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

“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

“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

"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

"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

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

Teacher, 2021

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

Read more benefits to taking part ❯

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More information

• Teacher guidance
• Activity themes
• Safeguarding and privacy

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