Overview

The goals of the ExperiMentors program are two-fold: to provide Cambridge students with the unique opportunity to learn about science through direct experimentation and to foster constructive relationships between Harvard undergraduates and local elementary school students. ExperiMentors volunteers are committed to the idea that science be taught scientifically; that is to say, that the students get to participate in the questions and experimental procedures of science.

To foster this type of learning, ExperiMentors programs are centered on engaging hands-on experiments in which all students can participate and learn based on their own experimentation. The ExperiMentors program has two dominant means of achieving its goals: volunteer pairs who teach lessons at elementary schools on a recurring basis and Science Day.

ExperiMentors is devoted to the idea of being able to share science with as many children as possible, increasing the accessibility of science. The program seeks to do more than simply provide Harvard volunteers with first-hand teaching experience; rather, ExperiMentors is committed to developing the innate curiosity in children, allowing them to explore complex processes of the natural world through mentor relationships.

In order to be a member of ExperiMentors, interested Harvard students are required to fill out an application and interview with program leaders. Volunteers use program resources to learn how to create lesson plans with their partner. In addition, they also learn effective ways to teach science science and to motivate and excite students.

Weekly Lessons

ExperiMentors volunteers are Harvard students, interested in science and education, who wish to gain first-hand experience planning lessons and working in a classroom setting. Each week, volunteer pairs teach hands-on lessons to students to inspire curiosity and to promote critical thinking. In addition, these volunteers develop weekly lessons with teachers so that the information taught can be more meaningful, interesting, and integrated.

Science Day

Every January and May, ExperiMentors culminates the semester with an exciting, day-long event called Science Day. With the help of Harvard faculty, staff, and administrators, ExperiMentors volunteers plan an entirely new and innovative day of experiments for participants. Held on Harvard’s campus, the event brings together students and community members for a day of interactive activities, presentations, and tours led by Harvard faculty, staff, and students.

Science Day provides the organization with the opportunity to reach out to new classrooms and new schools that may be unable to accommodate weekly lessons from volunteer pairs, for reasons such as time restrictions. As a result, Science Day provides an alternative way for these children to have interactive science lessons taught by Harvard volunteers.

Forms for Volunteers

- Click here for the PBHA Reimbursement Voucher