Welcome to SciTrek

     SciTrek is dedicated to allowing 2nd - 5th grade students to experience the scientific process first hand. SciTrek seeks to partner with local schools to present inquiry based modules that not only emphasize the process of science but also specific grade level standards.

     Each module allows students to design and carry out an experiment. Providing students with the opportunity to not only learn scientific facts but also experience the scientific method allows students to understand how scientists use evidence based explanations to explain the world around them.

     In addition to providing programming for 2nd - 5th grade students, SciTrek strives to demonstrate the importance of inquiry based lesson in science curriculum to teachers, practicing teachers, and teachers in training.

     If you are interested in volunteering, sign up for the mailing list.

Recent News

Dr. Carroll to Give the Second Annual SciTrek Lecture February 12, 2013 - 5:30 PM - Chem 1179

Sean B. Carroll is an award-winning scientist, author, and educator. He is currently Vice President for Science Education of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the largest private supporter of science education activities in the US, and Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Wisconsin. His research has centered on the genes that control animal body patterns and play major roles in the evolution of animal diversity. Major discoveries from his laboratory have been featured in TIME, US News & World Report, The New York Times, Discover, and Natural History. Sean is the author of Remarkable Creatures: Epic Adventures in the Search for the Origins of Species (2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), The Making of the Fittest (2006, W.W. Norton) and of Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo (2005, W.W. Norton). He also writes a monthly feature " Remarkable Creatures" for the New York Times Science Times. Click here to see a video of his presentation at UCSB.

SciTrek gets Funding from Proctor and Gamble

SciTrek was awarded $5,800 from the Proctor and Gamble Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation in December of 2012.

UCSB Brings New Type of Science Education to Local Schools

The Office of Public Affairs released on article about SciTrek "UCSB Brings New Type of Science Education to Local Schools," which features a short video with commentary from the founders as well as teachers involved.

SciTrek Gets Some Press

SciTrek has been written up in the Santa Barbara Independent. The article "A Better Way to Process the Scientific Process" was in the August 25th issue of the newspaper.

SciTrek Gets Funding for 2012-2013

SciTrek has received an award of $42,000 for 2012-2013 from the UCSB Executive Vice Chancellor and the Deans of Letters and Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Creative Studies. This will allow the expansion of the program to reach nearly 30 classrooms, over 750 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade students, and opportunities for nearly 150 UCSB students to volunteer in the SciTrek program.

SciTrek Hosts Its First Annual Educational Seminar

Dr. Bruce Alberts, the Editor and Chief of Science Magazine, prominent biochemist, & founder of UCSF K-12 CEP outreach program, came to UCSB to talk about science education in America. This event brought together SciTrek volunteers, local educators, & scientists and spurred lively discussion to the reception that followed.

If you missed the event but are still interested in seeing the talk, it is available here: Bruce Alberts on Science Education