The After-School Science Clubs are a partnership between the City of Madison, UW-Extension-Dane Co. 4-H Youth Development, the UW Center for Biology Education (CBE), Dane County after-school programs, UW Science House, and the UW Biology Outreach Club (BOC). After-school science clubs (ASSC) connect volunteers from UW-Madison that have expertise in science with after-school staff who have expertise with working with elementary-age children. Volunteers and staff members collaborate to conduct weekly science clubs in which children participate in hands-on activities on topics ranging from "bottle biology" and plants to weather to water.
The ASSC program provides benefits for participating elementary students, UW students, and after-school staff:
--Elementary students in our program, many of which are minority students and/or students from low-income backgrounds, learn to enjoy science, receive enrichment, and get the chance to interact with science students who serve as role models
--UW students build expertise in sharing science with the public, build skills in working with children, and get a chance to integrate service learning into their UW education
--After-school staff members learn how to integrate science activities into their curriculum, which may encourage them to continue to include science activities at their centers in the future
To get involved in an after-school science club, either as a volunteer or after-school staff member, contact Dolly Ledin, who will pair you up with a volunteer or a school/community center site.
NEXT TRAINING: Monday February 4th from 6-8 pm at the Microbial Sciences building on campus. See the flyer under "Upcoming Training Sessions" below.
Important Links:
- Find a Club:
List of After-school Sites, Staff, and Volunteers
- For Staff and Volunteers:
The Basics on Running your Club
Activities to try in your Science Club
Submit your feedback on Science Activities
- Read about the national movement for After-School Science: (click here)
- Learn more about how you can get involved:
What is an after-school science club?
Lead a Science Club for UW-Madison course credit
