Skype A Scientist is an excellent tool that brings the real world into the classroom. If students are studying about topics in biology, why not talk to a real biologist? If the class is learning about something in ancient history, why not speak with a archeologist? Skype A Scientist allows for these industry professionals from around the world to be brought into the classroom virtually. Students get to interact with scientists directly and hear about what they do on a daily basis. Students also are afforded the opportunity to ask experts questions to help further their understanding of topics that otherwise would have required a field trip or an in-person guest speaker. With Skype A Scientist, the classroom is opened up to experts that otherwise would have been impossible to speak with.
Pros
- Interact with scientists from around the world
- Students get to ask questions to experts directly
- No need for field trips or scheduling guest speakers to come in
- Large number of specialties to choose from
Cons
- Have to fill out a form for every class you would like an expert to visit
- May not be able to get the same expert for every period of the day for the upper grades
