Connecting Mentors & Role Models to Students
Share your expertise and enthusiasm for science! Community Resources for Science connects scientists and engineers to elementary and middle school students and teachers throughout the East Bay, to build scientific literacy and inspire the next generation. We provide comprehensive training, coaching, and support so busy STEM researchers can feel confident as they lead exciting outreach activities. Choose the outreach program that best fits your goals and interests.
Scientist Outreach has Lasting Impact!
After hosting a BASIS Lesson:
Volunteer with BASIS
New Spring 2025 Orientation Dates!
Bay Area Scientists Inspiring Students (BASIS) is a science and engineering volunteer role model program serving public elementary schools in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, Emeryville, and Pinole.
New to BASIS? Have a friend or lab-mate who wants to join a team? Trying to jump into a classroom for the first time? We highly encourage new volunteers to attend an orientation before their first lesson:
- April 4th, 1pm - 2pm (Fri)
- April 7th, 1pm - 2pm (Mon)
- April 9th, 4pm - 5pm (Wed)
Be a Scientist (BAS):
Mentor 7th Grade Berkeley Students
Our next Be a Scientist session is rapidly approaching at King Middle School in Berkeley! Over six 90-minute lab periods, you will mentor a small group of 7th graders through a science experiment of their choice.
- Session 2: Thursdays and Fridays from March 20 - May 9. Session times are listed on the sign-up form below. Sign up for one or more periods!
What People are Saying
The learning my students did in your class is hands down the best learning they have done this year! I liked how you asked students to make observations and ask questions. The parents are very happy. I feel so privileged to be able to have this partnership with BASIS.
Yesterday a teacher compared getting a BASIS lesson to getting Hamilton tickets and let me tell you, I felt like a rock star.
BASIS provides an incredible opportunity for graduate students to get involved in Bay Area STEM. Visiting elementary school classrooms encompasses what I love most about science: the thrill of discovery, designing creative ways to solve problems, and sharing knowledge with others.
Why Volunteer with CRS?
Grad students who participate in outreach with CRS tell us they gain real world skills in communicating about science and collaborating with peers while also having fun sharing their talents and passion for science and engineering.
“Seeing the “lightbulb” moments as children experience using science to figure something out sparks joy and reminds me why I love science. And CRS makes it so effortless to fit into our busy schedules. I felt confident leading kids in learning thanks to the CRS training.”
