How can a scientist help me? The partnership between you and your science professional will be unique to your situation. Scientists in the classroom can provide content support or re-energize a science activity. Sometimes a Partner can provide a new perspective and approach on science curriculum. Again, each partnership is unique - you will discover what works for your needs. Is there training for me? Our annual Partner/Lead Teacher Institute will provide you an opportunity to hone your content knowledge and work with your Partner on best classroom practices. Past Institutes have been held at Lawrence Livermore Labs & RAFT in Sacramento. This year, the annual Institute will be held at the CSTA conference in San Jose. What are some of the guidelines I should keep in mind? A guidebook will be provided to lead teachers. It is important to remember that this is a partnership between you and your scientist/partner. Partners receive fingerprint / background clearance but they do not take the place of an engaged, certificated teacher in the room. How do I put together a Family Science Event? An event we would see take place at our TOPSchools is a Family Science Event. To help you in this endeavor, we will provide our Partners and Lead Teachers access to our Math, Science & Beyond kits which will help you organize and implement a successful science event. What is Dinner With a Scientist? Dinner With a Scientist is a unique opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to interact with scientists from a variety of fields of study over dinner in a professional environment. As a Lead Teacher you will be able to attend along with three of your students. For more information, please visit our Dinner With a Scientist site. http://imeet.sjcoe.net/dwas/http://imeet.sjcoe.net/dwas/Welcome.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0

TOPS Partners can help educators provide critical science skills to our students...

Our students are preparing for careers and jobs that haven’t been invented yet.  One of the best ways to prepare our next generation of scientists and engineers is to provide them access to resources that will help them develop and sharpen their problem-solving skills.  Retired scientists and engineers can help teachers who may be challenged by dwindling supplies and money by providing their expertise and experience - which is priceless.  Watch “Bay Area Science Education” to know what our contemporary students are facing.

What Students Have to Say...

What Teachers, Administrators and Scientists Have to Say...