1. Welcome to Science Bus!
gbarlow

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

3. 1. Science Bus overview

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 2. East Palo Alto Charter School
“EPACS”

13. 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.”

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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.
You need 2 separate checks, so you must complete both
We will send an 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

18. 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
TB test requires going in 2 consecutive days, but only takes minutes Day 1 and 5 minutes Day 2

19. 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.

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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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.”

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

25. 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)

26. 4. The Science Bus Wiki

27. 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)

28. Username: stanfordsciencebus Password: sciencebusrules!
Username: stanfordsciencebus Password: sciencebusrules!
Link to the current week’s lesson

29. 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

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

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