School meets science
The online format, which was developed in Great Britain, has already been used very successfully in schools there for several years. Now the german initiative “Wissenschaft im Dialog” (Science in Dialog) is managing the platform for participation in Germany – a project supported by the GDNÄ. The next round will take place from March 15 to 26, 2021, on the topic of infections. Scientists can still register for it until February 14.
In the Corona pandemic, in which schools have to organize distance learning and face-to-face teaching in parallel, the new offer can be a welcome change for students and teachers. The free online offering takes place in a protected setting. All participants are registered on the website. Trained moderators accompany the live chats and maintain the question area.
Experience to date shows that scientists can use the project to improve their communication skills, gain new perspectives on their work and learn more about young people’s attitudes to science and research. Participating scientists also stand to win 500 euros in prize money, which they can invest in science communication projects.