Meet our 2019-2020 Programs

What Do You Wonder? A Community of Young Scientists

SARSEF’s FIRST completely virtual program in response to COVID-19 invites students pre-k through high school to become lead researchers on a virtual research team.  Students discuss and identify interests, select a single research question from collective wonderings, design a method for gathering data to answer the question, and together analyze and evaluate the results to get a snapshot of our southern Arizona community in April/May 2020. Learn more at https://sarsef.org/programs/whatdoyouwonder/!

In-school Experiences

SARSEF teaches PreK-12 students the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need to make a difference using science and engineering. Through hands-on workshops students are challenged to investigate real-life problems finding solutions that matter.

Out-of-School Experiences

SARSEF removes the classroom walls, engaging students in the broader community. Students will be hosted in our NEW SARSEF Outreach Labs at UofA and see science in action with local industry partners and even a field research site at the American Museum of Natural History location in Portal, AZ! These experiences and more will allow students to explore STEM careers and serve as science ambassadors at Tucson’s favorite community events!

Professional Development for Teachers

Teachers will gain confidence and skills in teaching science and engineering while learning to integrate the new AZ Science Standards into hands-on research projects. Teachers will explore thought-provoking activities, lesson design and resources to make science and engineering experiences accessible to all students.

Roadmap to a Rockin’ Project

Parents and Students work together to identify an issue they care about and are guided in the development of a science or engineering research project. Students leave ready to investigate their topic, with a roadmap for their research journey, a lab notebook and project board.

ACES Camp

ACES (Applied Career Exploration in STEM) provides a week of science camp for 50 middle school girls at a critical time in their lives. Students are exposed to STEM careers and experience campus life, exciting them to pursue higher education in STEM.

Racing the Sun

Racing the Sun challenges high school teams to design, build, and race solar-powered go-karts. Working alongside mentors, students spend nine months preparing their go-karts, applying physics, engineering and energy. Students are challenged to translate their ideas into a working kart, and gain critical skills for workplace success along the way.

Events

Arizona STEM Adventure– November 20, 2020 – 1,000 4-8th grade students explore the wide world of STEM while their teachers receive two hours of Professional Development. Get involved NOW!

SARSEF Science and Engineering Fair– March 3-6, 2021 – This culminating event of all SARSEF programs provides the 95,000 students we impact each year the opportunity to win over $100,000 in scholarships, trips, and prizes to reward them for their high-quality research.