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Information About BASIS
Bay Area Scientists in Schools (BASIS) is a science role model volunteer program for public elementary schools in the East Bay. BASIS volunteers are scientists and science enthusiasts who generously donate their time to help get students and teachers excited about science. Learn more about the BASIS program.
BASIS in-class presentations are a benefit of CRS Membership for public elementary school teacher members in the East Bay. Learn more about teacher eligibility for BASIS presentations.
CRS helps BASIS volunteers develop lesson plans so that activities are age appropriate, hands-on, and connected to grade level standards, then matches volunteers with CRS members based on volunteer availability. Learn more about the placement process for requesting and receiving BASIS presentations.
Teacher Tools
Whether you're hosting your very first BASIS presentation or welcoming an established volunteer team back to your classroom for a second or third year in a row, there are several tools that can help make the experience smoother and more fun for you and your students.
BASIS volunteers visit classrooms to share their love of science and learning. In return, CRS asks teachers to take a few simple steps to help ensure a smooth experience for all. Please review our tips for teachers getting ready to host a BASIS presentation.
Contact your volunteer to discuss and review the volunteer's lesson plan in advance of the BASIS visit and think about ways to help connect it to your students' background. For inspiration, browse our lesson plan library, grade-level specific lessons that past and current volunteers have developed, in our BASIS Lesson Plan Archive.
Please check out the list of frequently-asked volunteer questions for teachers in our pre-classroom visit checklist, and send your volunteer answers you think will help them have a great experience with your class.
And after your presentation, please let CRS and the volunteers know how they did by completing the brief online evaluation at the link included in your confirmation email message. This keeps our program quality excellent for everyone!
Enjoy your BASIS presentation!
Educator Spotlight
Nancy Kaiser, a partner of Community Resources for Science (CRS), has been a member of the East Bay Regional Park District team for the past thirty years. As a member of the District team, she has had the privilege of introducing “beautiful outdoor spaces, from the shoreline to the hills” to the youth in our community, inspiring them to appreciate the nature surrounding them in their everyday lives. Upcoming Deadlines
CRS curates information for teachers about upcoming deadlines related to:
- in-class programs
- local field trips
- grant opportunities
- professional development workshops
- local science exhibits
Are You A Science Super Star?
New CRS Awards Program for Teachers and Schools
This year, CRS will highlight and celebrate the achievements of teachers and schools who are effectively bringing science learning into their classrooms!
While active science learning is a reward in itself, we'll also have prizes for students, teachers, and schools who participate!