Training & Placement Process

Thinking about becoming a BASIS volunteer, but not sure what to expect?  Here's the basic training and classroom placement process for new volunteers.  We're always flexible, so feel free to let us know if there are ways we can make it easier for you to get into classrooms!

1. Sign up for one of our upcoming new volunteer orientations. Many of our scientists volunteer together in teams -- gather some colleagues, friends, or lab-mates and sign up together!

2. Look at the CA Science Content Standards to identify a topic and/or grade level that you'd be interested in teaching, or browse our lesson library if you'd like to dive in with a field-tested lesson that's ready to go.

3. Attend your new volunteer orientation, where you'll receive a folder of training materials; learn about teaching tips & techniques, lesson plan development, and how CRS will connect you with classrooms; and browse our science activity books and binders to identify age-appropriate hands-on activities related to your chosen topic and/or grade level; or select a ready-made lesson from our library.

4. If you are designing a new lesson, follow the CRS guides to prepare a draft lesson plan and send it to CRS for questions and feedback.  Check out our set of Volunteer Tools for other documents that may be helpful.

5. Meet with CRS staff for brief (15-30 min.) coaching to finalize your lesson plan, make arrangements to get teaching materials, and -- importantly -- to pick up your very own, official BASIS volunteer t-shirt. If you've opted for a ready-made lesson from our library, we'll arrange a training/coaching session to get you ready to go.

6. Tell us the dates and times you're available to present and we'll take care of the logistics.  Give CRS at least 2 weeks' notice before your first classroom visit.

7. CRS matches you with teachers at the appropriate grade level and sends you a classroom placement confirmation e-mail.

8. Contact the teacher to confirm your visit and ask key questions about his/her class.

9. Visit classrooms!  See our classroom visit checklist to find tips for preparing for your visit.

10. After your visit, take a moment to complete the brief online post-visit evaluation to help us keep up the excellent quality of the volunteer experience for everyone.

11. Make any necessary lesson plan modifications and get ready for your next classroom visit!  E-mail CRS at teach@crscience.org if you have any questions or comments.