Headwaters Science Institute

In our Research Experience Program, students will design and create an original research project mentored by a professional scientist, see through the project by conducting field research, and learn how to analyze their findings. Students complete the program with a finalized research presentation and a formal research paper that will be submitted for publication. Our professional scientist mentors are experienced in research and in mentoring students with a variety of research interests. They will guide students to utilize a diverse array of research skills that can be used to study almost any topic imaginable. Students emerge from the program with an experience they can add to a college resume, and life skills that will better prepare them for any career.

In our summer camps, we had 235 students for one week sessions in Truckee, Donner Summit, and Kirkwood, CA. We had 91 students in our 5 week Richmond summer camp. We provided an inquiry-based approach to exploring the outdoors. Each week has a theme such as plants, insects, or water. We use scientists to help them begin to understand the scientific method. We give kids an unforgettable connection to science and the natural environment. These programs also serve as a good source of income to help us pay staff to develop new program materials.

In our school programs, we served over 500 students from Middle and High Schools. We provided an inquiry-based approach to science learning and the scientific method. We focus on Student-Driven Research, where students design and implement their own independent research projects. Within this framework, we can teach a variety of subjects. We start by teaching students to ask scientific questions and then have professional scientists guide them through the process of research to answer their questions. The powerful experience of asking and answering their own questions gives students an unforgettable connection to science and the natural environment. These programs are certified accomplished by STEMworks at WestEd, among the top in the nation's STEM programs. This specific program focused on California snowpack and the environmental implications.

We have outreach and free online programs such as, Lunch with a Scientist. Lunch with a Scientist is the biggest of these programs. It is an online library of talks with companion investigations for the teachers to use with their students. This program is completely free for any teacher and student. Twice a month we record a new talk. Each scientist talks about their research and how they got into their career.