Learning outcomes

Working scientifically and STEM careers

• Daily life of a research scientist
• Career paths for polar scientists
• Relating professional working scientifically work, e.g. observing and testing, to the classroom

Preparation

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This live lesson is based around an interview with a practising polar scientist. It is an opportunity for students to learn more about the similarities and differences between science as studied and science as practised. Classes may wish to look at the Arctic Live preparatory lesson for ages 7-11.

Questions generated by your class can be submitted via the Encounter Live tab in your profile.

Lesson steps

1. Introduction (5 mins)
Jamie will open the live lesson with a welcome and introduction to Arctic Live and the UK Arctic Research Station, as well as giving shout-outs to students and schools.

2. My wowiest moment (5 mins)

One of the polar research scientists will introduce themselves and talk about their wowiest moment exploring and researching in the polar regions.

3. A ‘typical’ day (10 mins)

We start by looking at different aspects of being a marine biologist. Students can take notes on the Meet a scientist student sheet. The sections of the student sheet that will be covered in this step are:

• Where do they do their job? (this can be locations e.g. lab or ocean, or geographical e.g. Arctic)
• How do they do their job? (at the simplest, this is listing verbs, with more able students adding further notes)
• Equipment (list some of the names of equipment used)
• Exploring (this is the focus of the research, e.g. glaciers, climate change, or bird life)
• Passions and skills (some adjectives describing what they feel makes they are suited to the role)

You may wish to complete the ‘Describe this job’ section during the lesson or use it as a plenary activity after the lesson.

4. My STEM career (10 mins)

This section takes students on the journey that the scientist has followed from childhood to being a professional scientist. Students are encouraged to note the steps in the coloured cycle on the student sheet.

5. Q&A (15 mins)

During this lesson, we will be using live chat questions to guide the conversation and develop students’ understanding of science in practice and research careers.