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. 

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Bay Area Scientists Inspiring Students (BASIS)

On a team with peers, delight K-6 students as you lead amazing science lessons. 


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Be a Scientist

Coach middle school students through the steps of designing, conducting, and communicating about their own science investigations.

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Additional Outreach Opportunities

From leading teacher workshops, to giving online science talks, to judging science fair entries, we offer outreach opportunities ranging from one-time to ongoing.

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STEM Industry
Employee Engagement

Engage employees in skills-based community service for team building and company visibility.

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Broader Impacts: Partnership & Support for Researchers

CRS helps researchers design and implement effective, efficient broader impacts programs.

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Outreach Toolkit

Check out resources to help improve your practice in science outreach!

 

Scientist Outreach has Lasting Impact!

After hosting a BASIS Lesson:

1%
of teachers said BASIS lesson inspired them to teach more science
1%
of kids learned new concepts through hands-on experiments
1%
of kids grew more interested in science

Upcoming Events

CRS is seeking Science Ambassadors!

We’re looking for 20 scientists to be a “scientist in residence” for 20 Elementary classrooms. Once you have been matched with a teacher, you will connect with them to set up a series of 4 visits with the class -- anywhere from 20-60 minutes each, depending on your schedule and whether you are doing in-person, remote lessons, or a combo of the two. We highly encourage Spanish speaking mentors to sign up!

  • Visit 1: Share about your science and get to know your class
  • Visit 2: Science Lesson/Demo/Activity #1
  • Visit 3: Science Lesson/Demo/Activity #2
  • Visit 4: "Flip The Script" - Student Presentations to Scientist
Sign up to be a Science Ambassador!

Reverse Science Fair: Calling all Scientists!

In coordination with Berkeley Lab, CRS is looking for STEM professionals to visit Berkeley middle schools and present their 'science project' for 8th grade students to view and judge. This will be an excellent way to brush up on your science communication skills or see other interesting research projects.

  • Thur Apr 18, 2024, 8:30am-12:00pm (Longfellow Middle School)
  • Thur Apr 18, 2024, 11am-2:30pm (Longfellow Middle School)
For more info & to sign up, click here!
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Volunteer with BASIS!

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. Sign up for an orientation time + date to start volunteering! 

  • April 3, 3pm - 4pm (Wen)
Sign Up Here

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.

- Richmond Teacher

Yesterday a teacher compared getting a BASIS lesson to getting Hamilton tickets and let me tell you, I felt like a rock star. 

-BASIS Scientist

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. 

-BASIS Scientist
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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.”

 

 

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Science Role Model Spotlights

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Deborah Thomson

Founder and President of
One Health Lessons, DVM,
BASIS Team Leader


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Lorenzo Washington

Plant and Microbial Biology PhD Candidate, BASIS and Be a Scientist

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Tanner Frank, Jaemin Lee, & Joshua Zimmt

BASIS Volunteers
UC Berkeley

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Anna D'Alessio

Director of Quality Engineering at Ivaldi, BASIS and Be a Scientist Volunteer


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