Have you decided to have your class video conference with one or more mentors?

While video conferencing with mentors is not required or even necessarily common with all PlantingScience teachers, sometimes teachers ask mentors to video conference with their classrooms before they start their projects. Sometimes teachers ask mentors to video conference with their mentors after they have finished their projects. Still others like to have a video conference with mentors both before AND after the students start their projects, which can be a nice way for mentors to ask questions and also see results and conclusions of projects. Most importantly, we recommend that teachers and mentors schedule not more than 2 video conference calls during a session.

Either way, talking "face-to-face" provides an excellent opportunity for students and mentors. Video conferences are really helpful for a number of reasons. One is simply that the students get to see their mentors! Posting on the PlantingScience platform is an excellent way to introduce students to scientists, but when students talk with their mentors directly, there's more of a connection and often more interest in their projects. The students will immediately see the scientist mentors as people with various talents, hobbies outside of the lab, and senses of humor. This type of interaction can also encourage students to put more effort into their project, because they now have not only a face to associate with updates on their project pages but also a deeper sense of project expectations. Talking directly to mentors in real time also gives the students the opportunity to explain their projects more clearly. Similarly, it gives scientists the opportunity to explain more complex topics to the students that may help them through their project.

Planning

• You can consult with PlantingScience staff for assistance (psteam@plantingscience.org), or you can decide - perhaps with the IT specialist at your school - what platform to use (e.g. Google Hangout, Skype, Zoom, etc.).
• We recommend connecting with up to - and not more than - 3 mentors at a time. More than that can really slow your connection. However, most video-conferencing systems will allow you the option to record the meeting, and you can then share the link to the recording in the forum with the other mentors.
• You can use either the group forum or the group calendar to schedule a time during class for a call. We recommend supervised, whole-class video conferences with mentors.
• Be sure to let your mentors know what the goal of the call will be. For example, is this a chance for students to run ideas by their mentors? Or do you want scientists to clarify difficult concepts? Or, perhaps you want students to practice their presentation skills and present their results and conclusions to their mentors. Whatever you do, please make sure the scientist mentors know so they are ready.

Logistics and Setup - Do you have a good internet connection?

• Test your connection and video conference skills prior to the actual meeting. You can connect with PlantingScience staff (psteam@plantingscience.org) if you want to practice or ask questions.
• To ensure your students get the most out of the video call, make sure your lighting is good and that students come to the microphone (usually on the computer) when they ask questions or present information.
• Make sure you and your students know where the camera is on the computer or media cart so you know where to look.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Make sure to leave enough time before the end of the period for students to thank the mentors. Sometimes, the end of the period sneaks up too quickly, which can leave mentors with an abruptly-ended call.