Taking part benefits you and your students

Benefits for your class


Engineering becomes more relatable

By taking part in I’m an Engineer, students can:

  • Gain confidence through asking questions
  • See real-life examples and applications of STEM
  • Learn about the transferability of STEM skills and qualifications
  • See engineers as normal people (not ‘elite geniuses’) with hobbies, interests, pets, and families

Read case studies from teachers who have taken part ❯



Supporting students’ science capital

Science capital is a measure of a person’s personal relationship with STEM. It relates to how much they see the subject as ‘for them’.
More about science capital ❯

I’m an Engineer supports the science capital teaching approach:



Students discover new careers

  • Students connect with engineers from a diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, and industries
  • Students can explore the world of work, getting authentic insights into how STEM skills are applied in a variety of roles
  • They hear about new STEM careers and opportunities in Higher Education

Find out how I’m a… supports the Gatsby Good Careers Guidance Benchmarks ❯



Every student is equal

  • Text-based live Chats give all students an equal chance to be heard and answered
    • It helps [to see] students in a different light. Some who are normally very quiet in school became very active in the chat.” – Teacher
  • Students gain confidence through asking questions
  • The I’m a… activity engages 89% of students, from the most confident to the most shy

Learn more about the advantages of text-based interactions ❯



Accessible to every school

  • Schools within 15 minutes’ drive of a university are twice as likely to receive a visit from a university STEM professional than those 30 minutes or more away
  • I’m an Engineer is online, so you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Connect with engineers working beyond students’ local area

Find out more about why distance matters ❯
Read more about our commitment to underserved and widening participation schools ❯



🎓 Benefits for teachers


It’s backed by research:

  • I’m an Engineer supports the Science Capital Teaching Approach
  • Taking part supports students’ science capital
  • It’s secure, safe and you’re in control – only students who’ve been given access by their teacher can access the Chat
  • You get to see which students have logged in, what questions they’ve asked, and download transcripts of live Chats
  • No personal details are shared on the site, and content is moderated

Read our safeguarding statement ❯



Everything’s designed for easy, online access:

  • Signing up is quick and easy
  • Students can log in at any time to read engineers’ profiles and send questions in Ask
  • Set up students’ accounts easily with pre-made login cards or a registration link
  • Book Chats flexibly, for times that suit you and your students

Watch an introductory video to see what it’s like to take part ❯
See our teacher guidance to find out more about how the activity works for you ❯



It’s free for state-maintained schools:

  • Places are fully funded for state-maintained schools
    • That means that most schools don’t have to pay!
  • Non-state-maintained schools may be asked to pay a fee to take part

Find out more about fees ❯


Teachers: Sign up to take part ❯


Find out more:

Teachers homepage ❯
Student safeguarding and privacy ❯
Questions? Contact support@imascientist.org.uk