About WWDS 2007
An Inside View of Science
The World-Wide Day in Science 2007 gives students an inside view of careers in science. It does so by capturing what was happening for science-based professionals on 18 April 2007. The stories submitted convey everything from long-sought discoveries to childhood dreams to births and holidays.
This approach is increasing in popularity with scientists and student reporters, with the number of stories submitted doubling each year. The number of participating university classes is also increasing.
Matchmaking: Student Visitors with Scientists
Navigating the hundreds of submissions presents a challenge for high school students.
How can a student find a Day in Science story in an area that might interest them when they have little knowledge of the vast range of specialties that exist?
The world of internet dating has given us the answer (no joke). This year's website features a set of five multiple-choice questions, a sort of brief “personality test”.
Scientists who are profiled on the site answer these questions. So do students visiting the site for career guidance or as part of a science assignment.
The myWWDS aspect of our site then picks out the scientist profiles that match the answers of each student visitor. The site also identifies a list of other students who have visited myWWDS who have provided similar answers.
The student selects a few scientists to earmark for their personal, myWWDS page.
Students can change their “personality test” answers and continue their search.
Students Compare with Other Students
Each student who registers on the site also has a chance to provide a little information about her- or him- self (with some protections for student privacy).
The student visitor can read about students like themselves and see the scientists they prefer. Each student visitor then ends up with a page of "favourite" scientists and student counterparts from around the world.
Automated Submission of Stories
The date of 18 April 2007 marks the introduction of our new automated submission process. You can now type your Day in Science story directly into the website, upload images, and preview your story. It is as easy as composing an e-mail message.
From June 2007, students will be able to use the “personality test,” described above, to search the site.