ExperiMentors

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Apr 23

ExperiMentors is PBHA’s science-focused program that directly brings the wonders of science to Cambridge elementary schools! Whether during school hours or after school, our enthusiastic volunteers lead engaging 30-minute to 1-hour sessions that turn science lessons into hands-on learning experiences. By working closely with teachers, our volunteers craft exciting experiments that make learning both fun and educational.

Twice a year, we host Science Day—a vibrant science outreach event at Harvard. This special day invites all Cambridge elementary schools to experience a world of interactive activities, fascinating presentations, and guided tours by Harvard’s own faculty, staff, and students.

ExperiMentors is perfect for those looking to gain real classroom teaching experience or anyone eager to share their passion for science in a fun and impactful way!

Why Join ExperiMentors?

Flexible Hours: We match your availability with a teacher’s schedule, making getting involved easy.
Social Connections: Meet and mingle with like-minded science enthusiasts at our fun social events.
Impactful Teaching: Enhance the school science curriculum by introducing students to hands-on experiments that spark their curiosity.
Inspire the Future: Make science exciting for elementary students, especially those who might not have considered science as a part of their future.

Volunteer with ExperiMentors

In addition to increasing the availability of engaging science-based programming in Cambridge Public Schools, ExperiMentors provides student volunteers the opportunity to gain skills in teaching, exercise their creativity in developing lesson plans, and combine academic interests with community service.ExperiMentors volunteers work in pairs to develop a curriculum and teach weekly classes during school hours. Volunteers are encouraged to work with teachers and students to design engaging lesson plans that will excite students and complement classroom work.

FAQs

Do you offer virtual programming? Currently, our sessions are all in-person, during school hours (8 AM - 2:30 PM) and after school (3:30 - 5:30 PM).
For volunteers, how many hours per week is it? Typically, it’s 2-3 hours a week, which includes lesson prep, teaching, and transportation.
Can I do it with friends? Absolutely! You can request to be paired with friends through a form we will send out
Do I need teaching experience? Not at all! Many of our volunteers are new to teaching. We provide training to help you succeed in the classroom.
Is there programming on weekends? Our main activities are Monday through Friday, though we occasionally have special weekend events.

Jump into the world of ExperiMentors and make a difference by sharing your love for science with the next generation!

ExperiMentors is a semester-long commitment. All undergraduates are welcome. After the PBHA Common App, there is a short interview to get to know our volunteers!

Fill out the PBHA Common App and check off that you are interested in ExperiMentors! New enrollments are accepted until PBHA’s priority application deadline. We generally do not have capacity for more volunteers after that.