Q. I have never taught school. Can I be a ReSET volunteer?

A. Yes, certainly. Very few ReSET volunteers have taught grade school. They bring to the classroom their scientific expertise and an enthusiastic attitude. Teachers are responsible for discipline inside the classroom. Volunteers are there to show children how to have fun with science.

Q. What do I do in the classroom?

A. Simple science experiments that involve the children. Volunteers have demonstrated the theory of flight using paper airplanes. Children have built simple series and parallel circuits. One engineer has the children calculate the dimensions of the classroom using simple geometry. Other examples of classroom experiments can be found elsewhere in this web site. (see What Volunteers Do)

Q. Where do I obtain the equipment for experiments?

A. The Director has catalogs of school laboratory equipment and classroom kits. He will order and ReSET will pay for (within reason) any equipment you need. If you want you can purchase equipment at Radio Shack, a hardware store or any science store and be reimbursed.

Q. What about field trips? Who arranges them and who pays for them?

A. You choose where you to go and make arrangements with the laboratory or agency. The teacher arranges for permission slips and adult chaperones. ReSET charters and pays for buses.

Q. What if I cannot do six sequential sessions with a class because I am going on a trip or I have consulting work?

A. Any change in scheduling can be arranged with the teacher beforehand.

Q. Must I do experiments with the children? Can’t I just talk to them?

A. ReSET bases its teaching philosophy on standards established by the National Academy of Science. These National Science Education Standards recommend a teaching approach that is inquiry-based, hands-on, and interactive. ReSET volunteers serve as models, and their primary goal is to get children excited about and involved in science and math. Lecturing children at the blackboard won’t accomplish this, as children have an average attention span of 45 seconds.

Q. Are the schools in rough neighborhoods? Will I face physical risk?

A. Some schools are in poor but safe neighborhoods. No volunteer has ever been at physical risk. If you choose, you can elect to work in a suburban school.

Q. How do I talk to such little children?

A. The same way you talk to your grandchildren. If you don’t have grandchildren, consult with the teacher. She will help you adjust your vocabulary. Volunteers are urged to provide the teacher with a vocabulary of scientific terms so that she can review them with the children before you come to class.