CIC Overview
Young kids are natural scientists and they get excited and inspired by role models. Check out the CIC Album for student reactions to CIC volunteers. Teachers say they want "ologists!" — biologists, geologists, meteorologists, and more — to show their students that there are many different kinds of scientists, and how classroom science connects with real issues, education, and career paths. The scientists in our community are looking for ways to support local schools and improve science education.
Program Goals
The Community in the Classroom (CIC) program is designed as a science role model program for elementary public schools in Alameda County. Its goals are to connect a diverse range of scientists to elementary students and teachers, to inspire students with examples of real-world science careers and issues, and to create effective teaching links between scientists and public elementary schools.
Program Mechanics
CRS works with volunteers to help develop hands-on activities that are age-appropriate and based in the CA Science Standards. CRS member teachers are invited to sign up for presentations according to the scientists' availability.
Scientists may work solo or in teams to develop a presentation to take to multiple classrooms over the course of a school year. Experienced volunteers may decide to offer a more extended "partnership" for developing a unit with a group of teachers and students over time.
Who are CIC Volunteers?
Science volunteers come from all parts of the community: businesses, universities, labs, and homes. The CIC program has formed a strong partnership with UC Berkeley science gradulate programs, and encourages research groups and other student affiliations to partner with CRS to support strong science teaching in local elemetary schools.
Program Outcomes
The CIC program has grown steadily to serve thousands of elementary students each year, and gets strong positive reviews from volunteers, teachers, and elementary students alike. Volunteers enjoy the experience of communicating science concepts to youngsters, teachers appreciate content support and new activity ideas, and students get inspired by diverse representatives of exciting science fields.
Learn more...
|
