The 2020-2021 School Year at a Glance

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Despite the challenges of last year, Community Resources for Science reached more teachers and students than ever, providing joy and exploration during the year of distance learning. As we roll into the new school year, we reflect on the impact your donations, volunteer hours, partnership and support made possible, and we look forward to continuing the momentum this year.

Science is a pillar of equitable education, and my students and I are grateful for the opportunities that CRS has provided throughout this year to make science and engineering accessible in the safety of our own homes.

-- Teacher, WCCUSD

A student's drawing of a person in a boat with the sun shining as fish, a shark, and a submarine swim in the sea.

As a result of scientist visitors and CRS support, teachers reported that their students:

Teachers did a lot of learning, too!

400 teachers attended at least 1 of 75 Professional Development Opportunities. Over 85% of respondents shared that they left PD sessions with ideas, plans, and resources for teaching students about issues that impact students’ lives directly

The trainings and materials we received from CRS this year made a huge difference in the engagement factor for my students. We all realized we could learn science and have fun while being in a screen.

-- Teacher, WCCUSD

CRS has been essential to my science program and an invaluable resource to me as a teacher. Thanks to CRS, I have been able to provide my students with NGSS aligned, engaging science.

-- Teacher, WCCUSD

What’s in Store for 2021-2022?

With students back in class, CRS is looking forward to engaging, connecting and listening to students learn about science and how it works in their lives.

And from what teachers are telling us, the excitement and curiosity are still there, though the scientists may not be able to join classes in person yet. Teacher feedback from the lessons this year, with students together an the classroom and scientists Zooming in, has been positive:

It was an extremely engaging experience for the students. They loved that it was hands on. The breakout room structure meant that most student groups had a scientist to engage with.

-- Teacher, BUSD

The presenters were excellent. It was very helpful that [the scientist] met with me the day before so that I could let her know what my students had already learned in relation to the topic. She modified the content to fit our needs.

-- Teacher, BUSD

I thought the entire format was great! The students were able to get up and move around, and answer and ask questions. Because it was virtual, several parents were able to attend from their homes. The experiment was awesome and easy to duplicate. I would love to have this activity in my class again!

-- Teacher, OUSD

October 2021

The mission of CRS is to empower teachers and STEM professionals serving schools in historically marginalized communities to activate TK-8 students’ curiosity about the world, foster critical thinking, and inspire children to imagine future career pathways. We envision a community of educators, scientists, families and partners working together to build school cultures that equip all children to explore the world around them and build the skills needed to become innovators, problem solvers, environmental stewards, life-long learners and leaders. CRS leads a dynamic network, fostering relationships and collaborations that leverage expertise and resources to transform science teaching and learning toward greater equity, opportunity, and success for all students.

Our goal is simple: help teachers give students more opportunities to “do science” – to ask questions, test ideas, get their hands on real science activities. We need to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, problem solvers, and leaders!