How it works

What's the Big Idea? provides a straightforward way for students to connect with cutting-edge researchers in their field. The program is fully remote and the discussion videos are posted to YouTube, allowing students with a range of locations or technological resources to take part.

The steps for each interview are:

1. A researcher's interview time and date is posted on the schedule page, including a short article or video that students can look at in advance of the discussion. The interviews are aimed to students of different levels (from elementary school up to college) as marked on the schedule page. Researchers can sign up to take part at the researchers page.

2. Students read the posted articles and/or videos and submit a question and rationale the night before the discussion on the submit questions page.

3. The researcher calls in over Zoom for a short (20 minute) online interview (streamed live and archived on YouTube), answering four of five of the questions from students, plus possible bonus questions sent in during the interview!

4. Students carry out (optional) further activities reflecting on the discussion. This can take place on their own, or as assigned by teachers. Example reflection prompts are posted on the teacher resources page.