Science Outreach

Science education is vital to our way of life, our health, and our economy.  Gonzaga University is committed to building partnerships with local schools and community groups as we strive to improve scientific literacy in our community. With this goal in mind, the Biology and Chemistry departments currently run a variety of outreach programs that include visits to elementary school classrooms, field trip tours, special summer programs, and more.  All of our programs seek to engage participants with opportunities for hands-on scientific discovery and inspiration.

If you are a teacher or high school student interested in participating in a science outreach program, please contact Rachel Zack, the Science Outreach Coordinator, at zack@gonzaga.edu or 313-6642.

If you are a Gonzaga student interested in participating in science outreach, please see the Student Outreach Information page.

Current Science Outreach Programs:

Science in Action! Elementary School Outreach
Science in Summer! Research Immersion Program for High School Students
High School Science Mentoring

Science in Action! Elementary School Outreach
For the past six years Gonzaga University's elementary science outreach program, Science in Action!, has been teaming up science majors and pre-service teachers with local K-6 classrooms to do weekly science experiments that align with the district curriculum.  Activities range from altering the density of salt water to make an egg float, to student-directed investigations on factors contributing to mold-growth on a bread ecosystem.  Most activities not only emphasize the scientific content being learned in the classroom, but also the process of science itself.  This program benefits participants in multiple ways: the K-6 students are excited to learn from college role models in their classroom; the Gonzaga students learn about communicating scientific concepts; and the K-6 teachers enjoy having enrichment activities (with all materials provided) that enhance their curriculum and increase their students’ enthusiasm for science.  During spring semester 2013 Gonzaga students paid weekly visits to 19 local classrooms as part of the Science in Action! program.

Science in Summer! Research Immersion Program for High School Students
The Gonzaga University Science in Summer! program invites five high school students and one high school teacher to join us for a unique summer research immersion experience.   Participants spend four weeks living on the Gonzaga campus while working in a lab on an independent research project, with support from university faculty and pre-selected undergraduate mentors.  As part of these paid internship positions, students will develop critical thinking and research skills, be exposed to potential careers in the sciences, and be part of a vibrant research community on a college campus.

High School Science Mentoring
The science departments at Gonzaga strive to connect with local high schools while providing opportunities for undergraduate science majors to learn about the rewards and challenges of secondary science education and serve their community in a variety of volunteer positions.  High school science mentoring placements are designed to serve the needs of students and teachers, and have included one-on-one tutoring, helping with class lab activities, and joining onto existing school science programs as a regular assistant.

Outreach Support
Gonzaga University science outreach programs are made possible through the generous support of our funders.  Outreach programs have been supported by Avista Foundation, Hollister-Stier, Rotary Club 21,  Robert and Clare McDonald Work-Award Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, George Luger, Washington STEM, and Itron.