Sustainability Outreach

Bringing interactive, renewable-energy focused science lessons to communities by bicycle

In 2015, Rachel Woods-Robinson and Elizabeth Case launched the first edition of  Cycle for Science: a transamerica bicycle tour to teach K-12 students about physics and renewable energy. Now, fast forward to 2017 ... and Cycle for Science is back! This time, heading out into the Central Valley and Rachel was joined by an air quality specialist, Johanna Heyer, and an energy technology/policy wonk, Kelly Jiang. Their goal is to bring interactive, renewable-energy focused science lessons to communities by bicycle to demonstrate to students, scientists, and the public, via a carbon-free pedal powered trek, that science is an epic adventure!  Learn more about Cycle for Science lesson plans and how to print a 3D copy of their  SOL CYCLE.

Impact of Materials on Society

This project aims to build creative thinking by giving students enough exposure to the cultural and physical dimensions of materials and materials science to enable them to see current engineering problems in new ways, and to think globally as well as locally. By targeting this class to first-semester students, it will enable students to draw lasting connections between their general education requirements and core materials science and engineering curricula throughout their undergraduate careers.

Resources for Outreach

• 250 Great STEM Websites and Apps for Kids
  Nurture an interest in science, technology, engineering and math
• Nanotechnology and Society: A Practical Guide to Engaging Museum Visitors in Conversations
  Explore the relevance of nanotechnology in our lives.
• The Solar Spark
  Ambassadors for the sun; out to educate and engage people in solar energy! 
• sustainABLE Kits
  Developed in collaboration with sustainability experts and museum professionals, sustainABLE kits include hands-on activities, staff training materials and other resources to support sustainability-related programming