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The Helium Zone was a general science zone featuring scientists working across a range of life science and medical subject areas. The zone had 299 participating students in comparison to 262 in the previous year’s Hydrogen Zone. Students were spread fairly evenly across the schools taking part with classes ranging from 6 to 28 members. Some schools enrolled multiple classes and some classes undertook multiple live chats. There were more chats in the first week than the second, with eighteen chats overall. There were a very large number of questions submitted and approved, with more questions asked by the students than the previous hydrogen zone. Chats were well attended with many featuring three or more scientists and an average of three scientists per chat. Schools attended all their live chats and the scientists were quick to reply to the students’ questions in ASK. Kevin, Melissa and Jonathan answered almost the … Continue reading →

Howdy all! Thank you so much to the teachers and students who took the time to participate in all the live chats! Without you, there wouldn’t be “I’m a Scientist.” It was fantastic to see how the questions and interactions with each classroom differed so much, reflecting the diversity across the United States. One of the best parts about participating in this competition is getting to interact with students about science, life as a scientist, and life outside of science. We chatted about the range of possible topics, and my main complaint is that we always ran out of time! That said, one of my favorite parts was that we had the opportunity to catch up on questions before and after the chat via the “Ask” function. There were so many fun and insightful questions there. I’m still a little surprised that I have the opportunity to write this “thank-you” … Continue reading →

The students have spoken. The votes have been double counted… Big congratulations to the Helium Zone winner: Melissa Hard luck to Jonathan but a huge thank you to everyone who took part. You were all brilliant. Students, don’t forget to tell us what you think about science now you’ve taken part. Log in to your profile, and fill in the new questions in the survey.

We’ve counted, checked and rechecked the votes and now reveal it’s game over for… Kevin This leaves just “Melissa” and “Jonathan” to fight it out for the $500 prize tomorrow. Who would you like to see win tomorrow’s final battle? VOTE

We’ve counted the votes and you’ve now eliminated… Kellie The two scientists left standing after tomorrow’s elimination will battle it out in Friday’s final. Who do YOU want to see in the final? VOTE for your favorite! Students, has taking part changed your view of science and scientists? When you next log in and visit your profile, you’ll see a new box called “Second Questions”, please answer the questions to let us know what you think of the science!

The first scientist you’ve eliminated is… Stephanie One scientist will be evicted every day this week, and you get a new vote each day. Make sure to VOTE to keep your favorite in the competition. A student in each zone will win a voucher for asking great questions! And remember, you can comment on questions the scientists answer. Do you think the scientist is right? Do you disagree with them? Tell them!