Club Spotlight: Science Outreach
By: Sophia Pei ‘22
Science Outreach (SCout) is a USC club that brings fun science experiments to 2nd and 3rd-grade classes. The goal is to get the junior scientists excited about science before their science curriculum officially begins in 4th grade. Teaching the kids through experiments, SCout aims to share our passion for science and inspire life-long learners in junior scientists.
Keep reading to find out more about Science Outreach!
What is Science Outreach?
Science Outreach, abbreviated SCout, is a club founded at USC in 2010 that partners with classes at neighboring schools including 32nd St. School, Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School, John W. Mack Elementary, Vermont Elementary, and ACES to teach 2nd and 3rd graders science. Many of these schools don’t have science in their curriculums until 4th or 5th grade, so SCout serves to bridge that gap and inspire curiosity and passion for science earlier on. Once a week, we go into the classroom for an hour to do fun experiments and teach fundamental science concepts. On top of weekly class sessions, SCout also participates in community outreach events, like our annual Spring Science Fair, and organizes fun socials ranging from tailgates to movie nights. It’s easily one of the biggest student organizations on campus with over 200 members, making it a great place to bond with similarly passionate peers!
Do I have to be a STEM major to join Science Outreach?
No! We welcome students of any major and all backgrounds. While many members of the club are pursuing studies in various sciences, it is open to everyone who is interested in inspiring a love of science in young children! All the experiments will be taught to you during our general body meetings, so don’t worry about gaps in knowledge. You will also be teaching with a team of 5 to 15 members!
When and where does SCout meet?
Our weekly general meetings are on Tuesdays at 8PM in SGM 101. In addition to this, you will be meeting with your session (which will be assigned based on your availability and preferences) one day of the week for one hour at the local elementary school you are assigned to. All the elementary schools are within walking distance from the main campus of USC with the exception of one school, ACES (for which transportation will be arranged and covered by the club).
What is the time commitment?
The mandatory time commitment is about 2 hours per week. 1 hour will be dedicated to teaching kids in a weekly classroom session. SCouts are also required to attend the general body meetings which are 1 hour every Tuesday at 8PM. It is extremely important that you can make these two hours every week! On top of this, you may have optional (but highly recommended and fun!) SCoutings with your session.
Will I be alone?
No, you will be part of a sessionof scouts that will visit the same classroom every week. A typical session ranges from five to twelve Scouts! Your team will be led by one or two Session Leaders.
What will I do in the classroom?
SCouts in the classroom have a variety of jobs which range from reviewing the previous week’s lesson, going over buzzwords, helping students with their worksheets, showing the kids how to do the experiments, cleaning up and setting up, and answering questions! All Scouts have the opportunity to volunteer in any of the roles and often gain experience with each one!
Which school will I teach at?
SCouts get assigned to teach sessions at a local elementary school (all within 1 mile of University Park Campus with the exception of ACES) based off their preference and availabilities. The schools include 32nd St. School, Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School, John W. Mack Elementary, Vermont Elementary, and ACES.
How do I join Science Outreach?
Send us an email at scoutusc@gmail.com so we can keep you updated or come find us next semester at the Involvement Fair.
What’s the onboarding process like?
New members are required to attend one training session which is hosted at the beginning of every semester. At the first general body meeting, there will be a preference form for all SCouts to rank their preferences and availabilities. After one semester, Associate Members graduate to Active Membership status.
Shortly after getting placed a session, you will work with your session to come up with a session name and determine your own animal name!
What is an animal name?
All SCouts have an animal name to help the kids remember their names. Usually, the animal alliterates with your preferred first name. For example, I’m Sophia the Seahorse. Some people also choose animals that rhyme with their names like Neil the Seal! It’s really just a fun way to express yourself and gives the kids something to remember you by!
How much are dues?
Dues are $30 for new members and comes with the signature red SCout shirt, $20 for Active Members, and $25 for Associate Members. All of these rates are per semester. To get active member rates, SCouts must not miss more than two general body meetings and two sessions per semester!
What are the perks of joining SCout?
All members get access to our membership resources, which include a test bank from classes ranging from BISC120 to BUAD courses and networking opportunities with our membership and alumni pool. Active Members enjoy reduced dues, priority scheduling, and eligibility to apply for session leader or E-board. SCouts also get the joy of being role-models for kids and making a difference in their lives!
What other activities do SCouts enjoy?
Science Outreach is a social club on top of an educational one. SCout organizes social events and activities throughout the year including movie screenings, fundraisers, and banquet! Members can help out at any of these events or just come and have fun.
Each session will also have weekly SCoutings where you just get to hang out and get food or engage in some other bonding activity with the other members of your session! The most active session can win up to $15 per member!
What is your experience in Scout?
I’ve been an active member of Science Outreach for over 3 semesters (I joined my first semester, freshman year!). It was one of the first places on campus that I found a community (right after my suite and classes). Though I was initially intimidated by how big the club was (over 200 members!). I met so many of my closest college friends in SCout (or I’ve recruited them to join!).
I’ve always had a passion for teaching and held a job as a math instructor at Mathnasium, which is structured similarly as SCout in the sense that it’s small group instruction. Nevertheless, the club works with people with varying teaching experiences (there are people ranging from TAs to people who have never worked with kids before!). I’ve had a love for science, particularly biology, for as long as I can remember. I love being able to share this knowledge and hopefully inspire the same passion in the children I have the privilege of working with.
From my three semesters in SCout, I’ve grown so much. Not only have I affirmed my passion for education, but I’ve also developed key life skills ranging from remembering a whole class of names (much more difficult than teachers make it seem) to patience.
If you would like to join Science Outreach contact us at scoutusc@gmail.com and check out our website here
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