Evaluation

Evaluating I’m a Scientist in Ireland

In November 2012 we ran I’m a Scientist in Ireland for the first time, during Science Week Ireland. We’ve had Irish scientists and schools take part in the UK I’m a Scientist event, but running a dedicated Irish event is much more powerful. We’ve collected feedback from teachers, students and scientists and used their responses and data from the site to evaluate the event. A summary of our findings and the full report are below. Read the full report here. Summary and reflections This was the first time we’ve run I’m a Scientist in Ireland and it was a real pleasure. 1. The enthusiasm for the event shown by teachers, students and scientists was magnificent The Irish science community really got behind I’m a Scientist. There was a lot of support on twitter before, during and after the event. We were oversubscribed with schools wanting to take part, and had … Continue reading

Posted on May 15, 2013 by in Evaluation, News | Leave a comment

Hydrogen Zone Report

At the end of each event we compile a report about each zone, containing moderator observations and our web data. This report provides a summary and some meaningful information on the zone. Hydrogen was the busiest zone in terms of the number of questions. There were lots of diverse questions and comments in live chats too. Interaction was high as students asked more questions in response to the scientists’ answers, and there were lots more personal questions than the other zones. There was a lot of flamingo chat because of Eileen’s research – a pleasant change from the normal topics asked about! The scientists were fun and very honest with the students, particularly Andrew on religion which the students seemed to appreciate. Download the report here.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by modemily in Evaluation | Leave a comment

Health Zone Report

At the end of each event we compile a report about each zone, containing moderator observations and our web data. This report provides a summary and some meaningful information on the zone. Health was the quietest zone with fewest questions and live chats, but this didn’t mean the students and scientists were any less eager and excited. It was a really friendly fun zone and the scientists all got on well and would joke with each other before and after the live chats. The scientists always turned up early or apologised for being late, and liked playing games and discussing the questions on the site, and also on Twitter. The scientists were understanding of the students’ varied abilities. Download the report here.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by modemily in Evaluation | Leave a comment

Space Zone Report

At the end of each event we compile a report about each zone, containing moderator observations and our web data. This report provides a summary and some meaningful information on the zone. Space was a busy and fun zone – the live chats were energised and the students interacted well. The scientists were fun, quick and worked together very well. It felt like a big shared conversation with everyone joining in. The scientists answered questions while maintaining a level of fun and silliness, which was clearly enjoyed by the students with lots of “you’re a joker” & “you’re so funny”. The scientists wanted to answer every single question and really seemed to enjoy it. Download the report here.

Posted on December 4, 2012 by modemily in Evaluation | Leave a comment