Science Buddies Mentoring started out as just an idea, an idea to inspire children to pursue futures in the ever-growing world of science by introducing engaging experiments and providing guidance through mentors and professionals in the fields. From there, we worked to create a program at our own school where we could boost interest in science by hosting fun experiments and bringing in people who dealt with science in their professions. After months of running the trial version of Science Buddies, we drew conclusions about what was successful in our various sessions and continued on from there. Since then, Science Buddies has expanded to local schools and child program organizations, and is undergoing an ambitious effort to expand further into the greater Western Pennsylvania area and beyond. Now, our goal is to continue this in-person work while also compiling a diverse curriculum guidebook based on our previous expertise by providing everything needed to replicate the same, successful experiences in any setting.
At the moment, Science Buddies Mentoring has expanded locally into schools and organizations specialized in running educational children's programs. Beyond that, Science Buddies has developed a versatile curriculum guide intended to be used to run experiences in various environments with comprehensive guidance and instruction on the each lesson.
Bellevue Elementary School
Avalon Elementary School
Last April, we led a pop-up kiosk Science Buddies Mentoring session at Northgate School District's annual district festival day, working with over 60 different students that night.