Chat with Scientists was the first online interactive event in Vietnam to connect middle school students with scientists. Students can discuss with scientists, challenge them with fun questions following three themes, engage in online conversations about science topics, and vote for their favorites to win the School Science Award.

Key Activities

Scientists

During the project, scientists uploaded their profiles to the project’s webpage, answered students’ questions related to their scientific fields, and participating in dialogues with students during online chat sessions.

By participating in the event, besides the “challenge” of communicating science to young people, scientists also have the opportunity to better understand the perspective of today’s youth regarding science and the role of scientists.

Favorite scientists, chosen by participating students, would won the School Science Award, which could be used to organise other scientific activities for students.

Teachers

As the format of the project was an interactive contest between scientists with participating students were judges, teachers could help in many ways such as:

  • Guide students to learn about scientists’ work through “profiles” posted on the project’s website
  • Help students develop criteria for selecting scientists
  • Support students to participate in project activities most effectively through specialised instructional materials developed for teachers
  • Guide students in asking questions and chatting online with scientists about specific topics

Discussion Topics

Microorganisms are tiny living things invisible to the naked eye yet always present around us. Despite their size, they significantly impact our lives – mostly beneficial, though some may spread terrifying diseases and cause global pandemics.

In this Harmful Microorganisms topic, 5 scientists would help students to identify the culprits behind stomach aches or diarrhea while exploring this mysterious microscopic world.

Questions like “Why are whales mammals but live in water?” or common argument “Between lions and tigers, which is stronger?” would be explored in the Animals topic.

Students would chat with scientists who studied different animal species, ranging from birds, reptiles and amphibians, frogs, insects (especially butterflies), veterinary, and primatology.

Did you know that “science” comes from the Latin word “Scientia,” consisting of knowledge gained through practical experience, research, and testing hypotheses based on evidence and experiments?

In the Scientific Research topic, five scientists working in different research areas would help students learn more about what scientific research involves and what qualities make a good researcher. Students could even develop ideas for their own research project!

Featured Questions

Q: Does E. coli bacteria live in our bodies before causing disease?
Answer from scientist
Answer from scientistE.coli bacteria exist in multiple environments - in uncooked food, contaminated water sources, and the human large intestine. The intestinal strains are typically harmless, but certain toxic strains found in food can cause poisoning and intestinal diseases.
Why do flamingos stand on one leg? Do they get tired doing so?
Answer from scientist
Answer from scientistOne theory suggests flamingos stand in water to regulate body temperature, adjusting heat release by using one or two legs. Other theory proposes that standing on one leg conserves energy. This theory started with a study with flamingo carcasses showed they balance more easily on one leg without using muscles, while two-legged standing requires more effort.
Where should I start if I want to conduct a scientific research project?
Answer from scientist
Answer from scientistTo conduct a scientific research project, you need to identify your topic, create research questions, choose which aspect to explore, plan your methods, and define expected results. You could begin by reading relevant literature from libraries and online sources, then seek guidance from teachers or scientists in your field of interest.
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