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SciTrek Logo

Welcome to SciTrek

SciTrek is a science outreach program that carries out multiday (5 - 8 hour) science inquiry investigations with elementary and secondary students during the school day with their teacher. SciTrek was founded in 2010 out of the Department of Chemistry and BIochemistry at UCSB by Drs. Feldwinn & Reich. 

SciTrek provides opportunities for students to engage in authentic science experiences by exploring a Next Generation Science Standard (NGSS) aligned phenomenon called a module. UCSB student mentors facilitate small groups of students  through the experimental design process where the students get voice and choice over the aspect of the phenomenon they will explore. The modules conclude with students sharing what they learned to build a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. This classwide poster session, with their mentors, provides the opportunity for the students to practice scientific communication skills. 

Providing elementary and  secondary students with the opportunity to not only learn the science behind a phenomena (e.g. how does water get retained in soil to cause landslides), but also experience scientific practices (e.g. making observations, designing a testable question), helps students understand of how scientists use evidence based explanations to explain the world around them.

In addition to providing programming for students, SciTrek strives to help teachers and mentors learn effective three-dimensional based teaching practices by providing professional development and in class coaching. SciTrek has also partnered with other colleges and universities at Cal Poly SLO, CSUCI, and SBCC to broaden our impact.

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Module Poster Presentation

Upcoming Events

Elementary SciTrek Pizza Fundraiser & Winter 2025 Sign-Ups

Location

Date

Time

IV Pizza Pub 1/06/25 5:30 - 7:00 pm

 

Secondary SciTrek "Meet SciTrek" Pizza Party - Register here

Location

Date

Time

Engineering Sciences Building
Room 2001
1/14/25 12:00 - 1:00 pm

 

SciTrek in the News

 

SciTrek, UCSB's largest education outreach program, garners new funding to expand

 

I want to get involved!!

I would like to be a mentor and volunteer with the elementary (2nd-6th) or secondary (7th-12th) program!

I am a teacher and I would like SciTrek to come to my elementary (2nd-6th) or secondary (7th-12th) class!

I would like to get involved with one of your partner sites Cal Poly SLO, SBCC, and CSUCI!