ExperiMentors, a service organization comprised of Harvard students, engages volunteers and Cambridge elementary school children in sharing enthusiasm for science. Harvard students gain firsthand experience in teaching and enrich the science education of Cambridge school students. Children develop a greater curiosity for the natural and physical world and form positive relationships with their student teachers.
- To provide an opportunity for Harvard undergraduates who are interested in science and education to gain first-hand experience planning lessons and working in a classroom environment
- To enrich the existing public school science curriculum through the exploration of science topics using hands-on activities
- To introduce problem-solving skills, cooperative learning, the scientific method, and critical thinking to elementary school children
- To make science exciting and appealing to elementary school students, particularly those who otherwise might not consider pursuing science in their education
- To encourage all children to appreciate the role of science and technology in society
ExperiMentors was founded in 1993 by Harvard undergraduates who wanted to bring hands-on science to Cambridge classrooms. Since then, the program has grown to over thirty members who teach at elementary schools throughout Cambridge in grades kindergarten through eighth. In addition to these weekly lessons, ExperiMentors continues to hold its biannual Science Day, reaching out to even more students. The program services over 300 Cambridge students each year.
ExperiMentors is extremely grateful for funding provided by sources such as the President Public Service Fund (PPSF), Harvard Undergraduate Council, the Harvard Memorial Church, and the COOP public service fund.
A group of eleven Harvard students who are responsible for running ExperiMentors.
JOANNA LI '12, CO-DIRECTOR
Since my first semester here, I've loved being a part of ExperiMentors' unique combination of service, kids,
and science. Seeing kids learn and grow, asking the funniest questions and eating the marshmallows off each
other's bridges, is so much fun. It's a great reminder of how creative and energetic science can be, and the
mentoring relationships we build with the kids are no less valuable and inspiring. I'm looking forward to a
great year as one of your entering Co-Directors!
RICHARD SIMA '12, CO-DIRECTOR
ExperiMentors has been one of the highlights of my time here at Harvard. Individually, I like science,
teaching, and happy little kids, but combined, they form to be one of the most worthwhile things I've done.
Teaching rambunctious children how to build boats or synthesize nylon has helped remind me of why I enjoyed
science as a child and why an interest in science is something that we should continue to foster. It's great
fun and I can't wait for another semester of ExperiMentors!
GRACE CHO '12, LESSON PLANS MANAGER
I am a sophomore in Leverett House concentration in MCB, and contemplating a secondary in Health Policy or
Statistics. I joined Experimentors to pursue my long-time interest in education and science. Having worked
with K-2, the kids are always so energetic (even at 9 in the morning!) so I know how important interesting
lesson plans can be. As a Lesson Plan Manager, I hope to compile database of potential experiments and lessons
to help our volunteers make their as well as the students' experiences more fun!
EMMANUELLA ASABOR'13, TEACHING COORDINATOR
Emmanuella Asabor is a Freshman living in the Freshman Quad (Pennypacker). She was born in London, lived
in Nigeria for a few years, and now calls New York City home. She started teaching with ExperiMentors
last term and is sure it's one of the best decisions she's made as a first-year. Emmanuella is particularly
passionate about the role of science in social justice, and was drawn to ExperiMentors because it allowed
her to combine interests in science, child advocacy, and social equity. Outside of ExperiMentors, Emmanuella
is actively involved in the broader PBHA community volunteering for Leaders! and keeping FUP love alive. She
also enjoys music (anything from Mozart to Drake), Disney, Ice Cream (yay JP licks!), tea, and is definitely
looking forward to getting to know all of the new ExperiMentors volunteers! =)
AMANDA LU '13, TEACHING COORDINATOR
Amanda Lu is a freshman in Wigglesworth who is concentrating in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.
She has enjoyed science since a young age. During high school, she hosted mad science demonstrations
for the local middle school and the local teen shelter. Her interest in science spans from fossil digging
with the Natural History club to research to teaching in classrooms through ExperiMentors.
MARK RAGHEB '12, TREASURER
I love experiments because it allows me to teach about a subject to get young kids passionate about science.
It's been amazing being able to make a difference in the education of young children, nothing is as uniquely
rewarding. It's also been a blast spending time with my kids in the classroom: they are so enthusiastic and
fun to be around that the experience can really make my day!
JOY ZHANG '12, TREASURER
Joy is a current sophomore in Kirkland house who's studying mathematics & computer science. She loves kids,
Science Day, and Experimentors! She also loves turquoise, citrus fruits, and violins.
TIFFANY AU '12, WEB COORDINATOR
Hi! So since I'm one of those deprived children who never got to do all those cool science experiments, ExperiMentors is a great way for me to help other kids get the chance to do them (and for me to do them myself! =D). Doing experiments and demos with the kids is not only rewarding but also makes it so much more fun when you have a bunch of excited kids surrounding you. =) I think I was just as amazed as the kids were with the exploding trash cans and Pringles cans at Science Day -- it was like redoing my childhood!
LAKSHMI PARTHASARATHY '12, WEB COORDINATOR
Lakshmi Parthasarathy is a sophomore in Leverett concentrating in Engineering Sciences. She has been a member of ExperiMentors for three semesters now and has really enjoyed designing experiments for the children on Science Day. She is excited to be starting as co-webmaster this term and looking forward to working with the organization this spring!
LEA HACHIGIAN '12, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
I'm Lea Hachigian, a Volunteer Coordinator this semester for ExperiMentors. I'm a sophomore neurobiology/MBB concentrator in Leverett House. I teach kindergarten students and the hour I spend in the classroom is always a highlight of my week. I especially love how the kids are so enthusiastic about the lessons and openly appreciative of our time with them. I really hope you will all consider joining ExperiMentors, it's a ton of fun and incredibly rewarding when you get the chance to share something you love with people who are excited to learn!
ANGELA YUEN '12, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
I started teaching with the ExperiMentors in the fall of sophomore year, and absolutely fell in love with the kids- they always look forward to seeing us, and they get genuinely excited by the scientific experiments we plan. My fellow teaching group members and I also get the sense that the children really do learn better through the fun and hands-on experiences that they normally would not be exposed to. So in short, I love ExperiMentors because it's fun, meaningful, and it's an easy way to make a big difference!