Welcome to Science Bus! gbarlow

Science Bus Orientation 1. Science Bus overview 2. East Palo Alto Charter School 3. Administrative details 4. The Science Bus Wiki

1. Science Bus overview

We teach hands-on experiments Science Bus is an after-school program to inspire enthusiasm about science -while we call our volunteers tutors, we don’t really help them with homework or anything -we aren’t trying to replace the Science class, but rather supplement it with small group, hands-on experiments. We teach hands-on experiments to students in grades 2-5

Lessons Tuesdays & Wednesdays 5 - 6 PM Same lesson both days Tue: 2-3rd grade Wed: 3-5th grade Different lesson every week Different theme every quarter Grades 4-5 on Tuesday Grades 2-3 on Wednesday

Last Quarter: Astronomy Earth in Orbit Solar System Black Holes Rockets Attend our planning meeting tomorrow, Oct 3rd Haas Center, Room 212, 6:00 pm

Lead Tutor Students Tutor talk about basic way lessons are run, i.e. responsibilities of lead tutor, & tutors at each table We might have an EPACS teacher in the class to help out. Students Tutor

Typical Lesson Structure Students pick up name tags Tutors sit at different tables, encourage students to find a seat We are open to trying new types of lesson structures – including a 10 min starter activity while the students enter the classroom. Parents can pick up the students at any time throughout the lesson, so not everyone stays until the end Lead tutor goes over lesson and plan for the day (5-10 min) Tutors lead the students through experiment (30-40 min) Clean-up (5-10 min)

Monday Meetings: -Meet at Bytes at 12:30 PM to go over the lesson -If you are unable to attend it’s ok -Please read through the lesson plan

We meet at Roth Way and Campus Dr. at 4:15 pm Meeting Location We meet at Roth Way and Campus Dr. at 4:15 pm We try to have a tutor drive. There is a budget for zip cars if we need them. We get back around 6:30 pm

2. East Palo Alto Charter School “EPACS”

East Palo Alto Charter School What is a charter school? -A public school that has more freedom from state regulation and bureaucracy -School is accountable for student achievement & fiscal solvency -Does not charge tuition or have admission requirements 1. EPACS was founded by community members in 1996 2. The Goal of EPACs is to prepare students for College, you’ll see each classroom is themed around a particular university “A charter school is a public school that has been given freedom from state education regulation and bureaucracy. In exchange, the school must be accountable for student achievement and fiscal solvency...Charter schools are public schools...Unlike private schools, Aspire public charter schools do not charge tuition or have admission requirements.”

EPACS Mission Statement Equip students with the skills necessary to read, write, speak, and calculate clearly, correctly and confidently Hold our students to the highest academic and behavioral standards science bus is one of the community partners Provide a student-centered, culturally-sensitive learning environment Seek parental, community and volunteer partners that support and enrich our goals

Extended Day Program The EPACS school day runs until 6 PM. Science Bus is one of several activities that the kids can participate in during the evenings. Some children will leave early from the activity, as their parents arrive to pick them up. Because of the multiple options, all of our kids (or their parents) have chosen to be in Science Bus

3. Administrative details Mention that there are a few things that need to be completed, cost of $80-100, but reimbursable once you attend a lesson.

Live Scan Requirements As of 2015, both Stanford and EPACS require anyone who volunteers with minors to complete a Live Scan Background Check. EPACS: Make an appointment at the Sheriff’s office on campus, fees reimbursable. Stanford: Usually there is a free mobile live scan event. It can be done at the Sheriff’s office, fees reimbursable. https://web.stanford.edu/dept/Risk-Management/docs/ You need 2 separate checks, so you must complete both We will send an email with all the LiveScan details/forms soon after the meeting. I HIGHLY recommend you attend the LiveScan clinic if you want to volunteer with minors at any point while at Stanford. Stanford Sheriff’s office accepts cash/check only. EPACS scan was $52 last year, it may have gone up this year. Stanford live scan is less money. Ask if any questions about requirements

Additional Requirements EPACS also requires: Application form Tuberculosis test $26 at Vaden, reimbursable Stanford requires that all of our volunteers be trained on policies regarding working with minors. Read documents online Send verification email TB test requires going in 2 consecutive days, but only takes 10-15 minutes Day 1 and 5 minutes Day 2

Some Key Points: One part of behavior management is to build up trusting relationships with the students Use the name of the student you are addressing (nametags are required - we don’t expect tutors to know every student’s name) Be consistent and clear about the rules and expectations We will go over rules and consequences the first day, and bring posters as reminders.

Three Basic Rules: Eyes on me 2. No talking when the tutor is talking 3. Hands to yourself

Give clear, specific directions Vague Directions Clear Directions “Eyes on me” “Behave appropriately” “Please don’t speak when the teacher if speaking ” Check for understanding after giving directions

Systems of Reinforcement Positive Reinforcement Negative Reinforcement Students receive a sticker on the board at the end of the lesson if they participate 5 stickers = a prize! Warning Lose sticker for the day Sit out from lesson.

What if the students still aren’t following directions? Correct the students who aren’t following instructions using our system of rules and consequences. Logical consequences Example: In a calm, patient voice: “This is a warning. The next time you talk while the teacher is talking, you’ll lose your sticker for the day.”

Use a 3:1 Ratio After correcting a student, look for three opportunities to mention when they are behaving properly.

Common Situations Bathroom Breaks: One student at a time. We use a bathroom pass. Phone: Students should not need to use the phone. If they insist, call the after school office (library) and check with the person on duty there. Most of the time students will just leave with their parents. Parents Come Early: Introduce yourself and explain what you are doing. Ask if they’d like to stay until the end. (Students may leave early, and some often do)

4. The Science Bus Wiki

What we use the Wiki for: Signing up for lessons Keeping an archive of lesson materials and other resources Organizing events: e.g. trainings, field-trips Go to Live demo (unless problem with internet, then we have some slides hidden)

Username: stanfordsciencebus Password: sciencebusrules! http://sciencebus.wikispaces.com/ Username: stanfordsciencebus Password: sciencebusrules! Link to the current week’s lesson

Sign-ups and Lesson Plan Click the Edit button to modify the page (add your name) Sign up here to be a driver Sign up here if you are coming, but not driving Please try to sign up a couple days before lesson Download this week’s lesson plan

EPACS After-School Program Coordinator: People Co-Presidents: Gil Shohet Karthik Sankar Treasurer: Joshua Eggold EPACS After-School Program Coordinator: Micaela Flores

Thank You for your attention… … and for being part of Science Bus!