Just some of the over 280 amazing volunteers who make SciTrek possible!

Read more from Co-Founder, Dr. Norbert Reich, Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry

Mission Statement

SciTrek exists to promote the synergies between science inquiry, language arts, and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). We work towards providing on-site resources for students, practicing teachers, and teachers-in-training to cover required grade level performance expecations and experience the processes that form the basis of all evidence-based approaches to understanding our world.

Our focus is on showing how critical thinking, reading, and writing all come into play when embedded in an inquiry-based science setting. The SciTrek process involves an interactive science inquiry where students make initial observations, generate questions, design experiments to address these questions, execute a series of experiments which students design themselves, collect data, analyze data, and present findings to peers.

We strive to make it easy for school principals and classroom teachers to adopt the SciTrek learning modules (multi-session classes over 2-4 week periods) by providing training, resources and teaming SciTrek Mentors and Leads-- trained UCSB undergraduates-- with the classroom teacher to assist with the completion of the Module.  Undergraduate Mentors also provide a compelling STEM role model for all students, showing that a passion for discovery and a connection with the college experience is for anyone.  All provided at no cost to the school, and stipends are provided for participating teachers.

Our work is guided by a belief that the scientific method creates a blend of curiosity and critical thinking that is an essential element in achieving curriculum goals and a lifelong thirst for discovery. Our unwavering commitment to our community and advancing the knowledge and skills of teachers and students is matched by a belief that learning about science should be fun, with the lasting benefit of helping meet the complex challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Target Groups

SciTrek's mission is formed around three main target groups: 2^nd-8^th grade students, school teachers and teachers-in-training, and UCSB undergraduate students. By developing science modules that engage students in experiments with elements of their own design, our program is user-friendly for teachers, engaging for classroom students, and provides ample opportunity for connection with our undergraduate Mentors as STEM role models for the students we serve. Our current program is focused on grades 2-8, with the goal of making the program available to all interested students and teachers.

2^nd-8^th Grade Students:
We hold the belief that science can be fun and informative at the same time, whether students are in or out of the classroom. With the help of UCSB undergraduates, classroom students are given the tools and resources to create, design, execute, record, and present their own experiments. This gives the students the opportunity to do the work of scientists and understand how data can be used to generate evidence-based explanations of important phenomena they experience on a daily basis. All materials are free to students and teachers.

2^nd-8^th Grade Teachers:
The SciTrek program works with teachers who have diverse backgrounds and interests and a common committment to science education. Our goal is to collaborate with all teachers who seek to enhance their students' understanding of how science works and showing students, through modelling and collaboration with their undergraduate Mentors, that a passion for discovery and a journey that includes college is cool! We cover required California Science Content Standards for specific grades, and we provide training, all materials, and a stipend for all teachers who participate.

UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) Undergraduate Students:
A direct benefit to UCSB undergraduates who work with us as Mentors and Module Leads is the leadership and communication and engagement as role models in education that the SciTrek experience offers. Our undergraduate Mentors are trained and supported by our experienced program staff to use discussion to guide active inquiry by groups of diverse learners in the classrooms we serve. SciTrek undergraduate Mentors are trained to work effectively with 2nd-8th students, actively encouraging the open-ended, inclusive, student-centered approach we feel is essential to true discovery. Undergraduates can earn credit for their efforts in helping students experience these modules. This is an excellent opportunity for UCSB students to acquire experience as educators and to develop advanced communication and leadership skills.

Annual SciTrek Lecture

Every year SciTrek enlists an esteemed member of the science education community to host a lecture on the UCSB campus for students, faculty, local teachers, and community members. The past lectures have been presented by:

2012: Bruce Alberts
2013: Sean Carroll
2014: Brian Reiser
2015: Susan Singer
2016: Paul Relis with suppoprt from the Community Environmental Council
2017: Bassam Shakhashiri
2018: Marcia Linn
2019: Mark Windschitl
2021: Robert Brewer
2022: Penny Noyce
2023: Francis Su

Team SciTrek

Team SciTrek is a dedicated group of undergraduate Mentors and Leads who help to design, test, deliver, and continually improve our SciTrek modules.  If you are interested in joining the team, please email our Senior Program Manager, Dr. Charlotte Zeamer (czeamer@ucsb.edu) for more information.

2020-2021 was a year that presented many challenges but also provided the opportunity to test innovative new ideas. Members of Team SciTrek applied for and recieved four Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Grants from the University of California. Team members used the money from these grants to help purchase supplies and adapt our modules to a virtual format so that local elementary and middle school students could still experience hands-on science! Check out their URCA projects below:

2020-2021 URCA Projects

SciTrek Improves Leadership Skills and Aspects of College Experience in UCSB Student Volunteers - Frank Makhlouf and Hailey Clemens

Online SciTrek Inquiry is as Effective as In-Person - Grace Mellor, Ruben Berumen, and Jon Bindi

7th Grade Girls Show Improvement in Critical Thinking After SciTrek - Afton Gustafson, Hailey Clemens, Caleb Kim

Can SciTrek Expand the Borders of Critical Thought? - Collin Lejano and Rafael Solorazano

2023 - 2024 Team Members

Past Team Members: Where Are They Now?

Afton Gustafson, 2021 - Attending NYU for her Ph.D. in Chemistry

Frank Makhlouf, 2021 - EMT

Matt Betashour, 2021 - Pursuing a career in UX research

Bronte Bolanos, 2020 - Science Teacher in Spain

Sabrina Biedermann, 2020 - Clinical Research Coordinator at Stanford University

Kevin Braza, 2020 - High School Teacher

Clarice Douille, 2019 - Medical student at Creighton University

Cory Fitzsimmons, 2019 - High School Chemistry Teacher

Sammi Fowler, 2019 - Customer Success at Komodo Health 

Nairi Rostomian, 2018 - Medical student