Connecting Classroom learning with real-world science and careers

 

Join the Students ask Scientists Program

Students Ask Scientists (SaS) video calls connect classrooms across the Great Lakes region with scientists from various agencies and academic institutions. Whether it’s a Q&A session from a scientist’s office or a live tour of the research vessel Lake Guardian, students will see firsthand how classroom topics are applied in the field.

Get Started!

Who Can Participate?

Classrooms and youth groups around the Great Lakes region are encouraged to participate.

• 5−12th grade classrooms
• Scouts
• After-school STEM programs
• 4-H groups
• Homeschool consortiums
• Summer youth programs

 

Why Participate?

The SaS program offers a unique opportunity to:

• Connect classroom learning to real-world science.
• Gain insight into careers in science.
• Improve understanding of the Great Lakes.
• Expand awareness of who can be a scientist.

Program Formats

 

Lab/Office Calls (year-round)

At an arranged time, scientists call into classrooms to discuss Great Lakes issues and current research efforts.

The calls can be:

• A student-driven Q & A sessions, or
• A brief presentation on relevant topics chosen by the teacher, followed by discussion.

Calls are arranged based on the scientist’s availability and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. They typically last 30-60 minutes and can be conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets, or other platforms.

Shipboard Calls (Late Spring/Early Fall)

Scientists aboard the US EPA R/V Lake Guardian provide virtual ship tours during research cruises. Students can learn about the mission, see sampling equipment, visit onboard labs, and chat with scientists and crew.

These calls are typically reserved for CGLL Shipboard Science Workshop alumni but are open to other educators when possible. They last approximately 45-60 minutes and are hosted via Microsoft Teams. Calls are subject to availability with the ship’s schedule varying from year to year and season to season

How It Works

Logistics for SaS participating educators

• Sign Up: Fill out the educator signup form to match with a scientist that will meet your classroom’s needs.
• Scheduling: Allow at least two weeks to make a match with a scientist and schedule a call.
• Preparation: Educators are encouraged to set up a test call before the scheduled call. It’s also helpful to submit questions from your students in advance.
• Shipboard Calls: Non-CGLL Shipboard Science Workshop participants may be able to schedule a shipboard call, but it may be shared with 2−4 other schools.
• Feedback: Complete a post-program survey to provide feedback and help us assess the program’s impact.

Logistics for SaS participating scientists

• Sign Up: Complete the scientist signup form to connect with interested youth across the Great Lakes region.
• Scheduling: When we have a group interested in your field of expertise, you will get an email to coordinate a meeting time with the educator.
• Preparation: Share personal stories and your academic/career path to help connect and to be approachable. Highlight why your topic matters, connect it to students’ locations and use props or photos to engage them. Keep your presentation simple and clear and use any questions submitted in advance to guide the conversation.
• Feedback: Complete a post-program survey to evaluate and improve the program.