Seeking Scientists, Engineers To Support Livermore Students

From LVJUSD: The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District (LVJUSD) is seeking volunteers from among Livermore’s vast network of scientists and engineers to participate in its Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS) program. Active or retired scientists and engineers are encouraged to join TOPS to bring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to life for students of all ages.

TOPS volunteers have the pleasure of sharing their fields of expertise with the future generation of scientists. This is an opportunity to ignite a passion for science and engineering in students, to bring textbook concepts to life, and to show how fun and satisfying an interest in science can be. “It’s exciting to interact with the kids and see them engage with science,” said Gary Porter, a TOPS volunteer and retired Lawrence Livermore National Lab scientist. “Kids are the most important thing for keeping up enthusiasm in sciences.”

TOPS volunteers are matched with a science teacher with the curriculum and grade level best suited to the field of expertise of each volunteer. TOPS scientists work closely with their lead teachers to fit their instruction within the framework of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the grade-specific curriculum.

With an additional resource and expert in the classroom, teachers collaborate with their TOPS partners to provide a more hands-on experience for students. TOPS volunteers have provided unique tools and demonstrations throughout their lessons at LVJUSD, such as Van de Graaff generators to demonstrate static electricity and sound machines to show waves. “Volunteers show real-world applications of science and engineering lessons,” said Regina Brinker, STEM Coordinator at LVJUSD. “Students also get insight into career opportunities and a more personal view of STEM by working with volunteers.”

TOPS volunteers may also help facilitate family science events such as the Family Science Night, planetarium shows for several grade levels, and the annual LVJUSD Science Odyssey. In addition to the exciting lessons with an engaging expert scientist, students benefit immensely from family involvement in the sciences. The family science events allow everyone to share in the fun and educational activities science offers, and helps connect that excitement to the home.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the TOPS program at LVJUSD is encouraged to contact Regina Brinker by phone at 925-960-2914, or email at rbrinker@lvjusd.org.

For more information, visit the TOPScience page of the LVJUSD website.

Images via LVJUSD