SciEnTeK-12 Foundation

Description: In preparing for the SARSEF, the all volunteer board members made school presentations, particularly in previously under-represented schools. These visits ranged from all-day school visits, with individual presentations to each science class, whole-school assemblies, presentations at parent meetings, in-services to teachers on how to conduct science fairs and information about the rules for conducting successful and safe projects, district level administrator meetings with principals, and publication of helpful materials on the website. As a result, approximately 66,500 students from kindergarten through grade 12 throughout southern Arizona conducted research in science, engineering, math and technology. Using the scientific method, with a focus on inquiry, students completed a project in order to qualify for the SARSEF.
In conducting their research, students first formed a question about their world and learned that by controlling variables, testing methodically, and by gathering and analyzing data, that they were the very ones that could answer that question. Participating in their local fair, students learned to express their thoughts in written and graphic form on a project board, as well as explain their process and results when questioned by the judges, media and interested public.

Target demographics: Our focus is on finding and supporting K-12 students who have been previously under-represented in the fields of science and engineering research.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 6,000

Someone who had 3 hours of volunteer time could: If you live near Tucson, come volunteer for any half day during the Math, Science and Technology FunFest on Nov. 3,4, or 5, 2010 or at SARSEF (the huge Regional Science Fair) March 21-25, 2011.  We need help smiling at visitors, giving directions and with sales. If you are a professional i a specific field you can sign up to judge on March 22, 2011.

Geographic areas served: Southern Arizona: Seven couties south of metro Phoenix area

Board Members and Affiliation: * William Dresher: Principal WHD Consulting, Dean of U of A College of Mines.

* Jack Johnson: President SciEnTeK-12, Professor Emeritus, U of A, former Dean

* Kathleen Bethel: U of A College of Engineering, Director of SARSEF, retired principal

* Paula D. Johnson, U of A College of Agriculture

* Betsy Bolding: Tucson Electric Power, Vice Chairman

* Alan Chesser: retired Supervisor -Tucson Police Dept.

* Dan Evans: Tech. manager Praxair Services

* Sharon O’Neal:  Raytheon Engineering Director

* Pat Woida: Principal Researcher Phoenix Mars Mission, Raytheon Engineer

* Margaret Wilch: Tucson High School teacher/researcher wtih 13 consecutive winners at International level (ISEF)

* Bruce Bayly: U of A College of Math and Physics

* plus nine other board members and six advisory board members