Openings into Real-life Connections
Graduate Student Mentors Back in Class
October 2022
Scott Garner and his team of fellow chemistry grad students approached the Oakland elementary school’s front office with a spring in their steps. After signing in and placing “volunteer” stickers on their shirts, they walked briskly to the 4th grade classroom for their first in-person presentation after 2 years of sharing science via zoom.
Children excitedly watched the team unpack the sets of play-doh, alligator clips, 9 volt batteries and LED bulbs. As the scientists led students through a series of circuit building challenges, the classroom erupted in cheers with each successful flash of the LED lights.
“The timing of this lesson was perfect,” the teacher shared, noting that the enthusiastic BASIS scientists were well prepared. She appreciated that students had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and share their ideas during the lesson activities.
“Moments like these form lasting memories for young students,” explains CRS Associate Director Tyler Chuck. “Science sparks their curiosity, and they make authentic connections with actual scientists.”
More than 600 scientists from UC Berkeley and local companies will reach more than 15,000 East Bay students this school year, with virtual and in-person lessons and mentoring. Elementary and middle school students will explore the impacts of climate change on their local communities, how animals adapt to their environment, about germs and the body’s defense systems to keep them out, and much more.
“The presenters were great! Loved to have graduate students, and especially many women of color, presenting these science ideas. They spurred a lot of discussion in my classroom. Thank you so much for a great experience!”
– West Contra Costa Teacher
For the older science scholars in middle school, more than 150 scientist mentors will guide them through their first independent explorations of the scientific method in our Be a Scientist program.
Whether launching apples from air cannons, making crystals, or rockets or germinating seeds, students are learning how they have the power to find answers to their own questions, all using science!