Skype a Scientist: talking about ancient bones with people all over the world
Skype a Scientist is an online platform that matches scientists with classrooms and families around the world. At the start of the corona crisis, PhD candidate Maia Casna got involved with this online platform. Now she holds online sessions to talk about science and her research project during the lockdown. 'I am sure that Skype a Scientist is building up the next generation of scientists.'
Connecting scientists with classrooms across the globe
Skype a Scientist is an online platform that matches scientists with classrooms and families around the world. Scientists talk to students about their field and their research projects, answer questions and in general reach audiences that it is not always easy to meet in person. With more than 5900 scientists from various fields available each semester and a total of 6500 classes held since the beginning of 2020, Skype a Scientist aims to make science accessible and fun for everyone.
Skype a (bone) scientist
Maia Casna's research project focuses on the analysis of ancient human remains. She has been involved with Skype a Scientist from the beginning of the corona crisis, showing her work to quarantined-elementary school students from both Chile and the USA.
In each session, she shows young students human bone casts and explains how they can be used to investigate the past. 'Remote learning represents a challenge for everyone, but it hits harder on children', she explains. 'Being able to see with their own eyes how science is made, and how scientists actually work, makes it easier for them to keep up with school. They are very curious about what a scientist does, and they always come up with such interesting questions! If I think about it, I am sure that Skype a Scientist is building up the next generation of scientists.'
Getting involved
It is very easy to get involved with Skype a Scientist. Before the start of each semester, a sign-up form is available on the programme website. After signing up, the website will create matches and forward them to both the scientist and the audience. From there, it is only matter to get in touch, schedule a meeting and have fun while talking about science!
For more information, visit the Skype a Scientist website.