Frequently Asked Questions

Want to get kids excited about science? Become a BASIS science role model volunteer and CRS will help you develop hands-on activities that link your science interests with classroom and curriculum.  Or, choose from among our many already developed lessons and get into classrooms even sooner! Then we'll place you in local classrooms where teachers are looking for science content support and enrichment on your topic.

Interested? Sign up now for an upcoming volunteer orientation.

How old are the kids? 

The students we work with are in grades K–5 (approximately ages 5–11). We also work with a limited number of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes. See our Album for illustrations of students' classroom presentations.

 

Where are the schools located? 

CRS serves public elementary schools in Alameda County with a focus on Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and surrounding urban districts. We will work with you to place you in schools that are convenient for you.

 

What's the time commitment?

Initial training or lesson development coaching generally takes a few hours. Once you are ready to head into classrooms, you will schedule hour-long presentations on the dates and times of your choice. We recommend monthly visits during the school year. However, some teams choose to make multiple visits during a shorter time period, or to make multiple presentations at the same school on the same day.  It's flexible and up to you! We encourage volunteers to commit to 10 class visits per year, but we welcome volunteers who are available for additional presentations. Most of our volunteers find it works best to present as part of a team, so that there is plenty of time for individual attention and small group activity for students. Volunteers need to be available during school hours, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

How do I pick a presentation topic? 

We work with you to find a match between what you love about science and what kids are learning at the elementary level, based in the CA Science Standards. CRS has an extensive library of kid-tested classroom activities that are available for your use, and will help research additional ideas. If you're short on time and are looking for a ready-made presentation topic, we keep a lesson plan archive of past and current activities that you can adapt to fit your interests. We'll coach you through developing a lesson of your own, if you prefer.

 

I've never worked with young kids before. Does your training cover teaching techniques?

Absolutely! Most volunteers have limited experience working with younger students, so we offer extensive tips on how to help students explore the science ideas you've selected, capture the attention of wiggly youngsters, and have fun building skills and knowledge. We'll also review and comment on your presentation plan to make sure the vocabulary, concepts, and activities are appropriate for the grade level you've chosen. You'll be ready to walk into a classroom with enthusiasm and confidence!

 

I'm not really a scientist. Can I still participate? 

CRS feels it's valuable for kids to be exposed to a wide range of science role models. It's not necessary for you to be a "traditional" scientist to participate — you just need to be enthusiastic about your topic and know enough to discuss the basic concepts you're teaching. Part of our aim is to show teachers, who may not feel fully confident in science, how to engage young learners in scientific exploration of the world around them. Scientists spend their days asking questions and exploring in search of answers, so adults who model that passion for learning are welcome.

 

What are the steps between signing up and visiting classrooms?

  1. Attending an orientation session to learn more about BASIS

  2. Researching activities (often, as part of a team) related to your topic

  3. Coaching from CRS staff to help you develop your own lesson OR training on existing CRS lessons

  4. Organizing materials and/or handouts

  5. Submitting final lesson plan for review 

  6. Selecting dates/times to present your lesson in schools

  7. Visiting classes!

  8. Completing brief post-visit feedback form