Scientists & Engineers-In-The-Classroom

Volunteer scientists, engineers and researchers bring specialist knowledge and in-depth scientific content into schools. In collaboration with teachers, the demonstrations and hands-on activities enhance the science curriculum, increase science awareness among students, stimulate scientific thinking and put a human face on the scientific community. Programs are available for students in grades 1-12 and are on a first come first served basis. Topics are varied and might include plants, animals, classroom chemistry, flight, biological diversity, planet earth, bloodtypes, robotics ...you name it! Calgary Science Network has 150 active volunteer scientists participating in this program. When you make a request we match your needs with the most suitable volunteer. This begins a two-way communication between teacher and volunteer as they work together to plan a successful classroom visit. Both the volunteer and the teacher have responsibilities in this process. To find the best match for your request please give us at least 4-6 weeks notice! teachers must be in the classroom at all times during the visit scientists volunteer their time and expertise - please appreciate them respond to phone calls and requests for feedback promptly

Before you request a scientist visit please read about the process below and print this page for future reference.

	Volunteers	Teachers
Request		Teachers initiate the process by contacting CSN and providing details of topic, grade, number of classes and students and approximate date required for the visit. Please allow at least 4-6 weeks notice.
	CSN staff match the request with a volunteer and gives the teacher's contact information to the volunteer.	CSN notifies teachers that a volunteer has been matched with their request and to expect a call.
Planning the Visit	Volunteer contacts teacher to plan the visit.	Teacher provides volunteer with details and expectations.
	Discussion at this stage is essential to ensure that the visit is successful for everyone involved. More than one phone call/email may be needed! confirm date, time, age/grade, number of students, number of presentations confirm topic: detailed curriculum information can be obtained from the teacher, the CSN office or http://calgarysciencenetwork.ca/curricresources.htm understand the teacher’s expectations (e.g. hands-on activities, career information, special needs, vocabulary to use) clarify the volunteer’s requirements (e.g. water, overhead projector, craft supplies, newspaper, need for display table, classroom set up etc) communicate the school’s protocol for volunteers – most schools ask volunteers to sign in at the main office. Students may escort visitors to the classroom. CSN volunteers will be identified by their name tag throughout the school visit. N.B. Police checks are not required of CSN volunteers (a requirement of volunteers working alone with children) as teachers must remain with the students at all times during the visit.
Keep us informed		Once arranged, teachers tell CSN staff date and details of the planned visit.
	Please keep the CSN office updated with any changes that occur!
After the Visit		Thank the volunteer! Notes from the students are always appreciated and can be sent via inter-school or regular mail to CSN at the address below.
	Teachers and volunteers please send final numbers and feedback to CSN after each presentation. Use the relevant online forms (teachers or volunteers) or phone the coordinator if it’s easier.
Follow up	Your feedback helps us to improve the program, and statistics are used to secure funding, so that the Science-in-the-Classroom program runs at no cost to schools. Future requests for scientist visits must be made to the CSN office out of respect for the time and privacy of our busy volunteers even if you have booked a particular scientist before. Thank you for your cooperation!

Note: Police checks are not required of CSN volunteers (a requirement of volunteers working alone with children) as teachers must remain with the students at all times during the visit.

Now you are ready to request a scientist visit for your classroom.
Submit an online request here (Alberta Science Literacy Association webpage will open in a new window)
or contact the CSN Coordinator

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