Science Alive
K-12 Teacher Professional Development and CurriculumCOVID-19 Update for Science Alive
At this time all programs and events will be adminstered virtually. Green Boxes will be available for checkout to schools or organization open in a full or hybrid model. Teaching virtually? We are working to provide educators with virtual resources and events. Check out the Online Resources page to see what is available today and keep an eye out for more!
About Science Alive
Science Alive conducts education and engagement for the Desert Research Institute, a global scientific research and development institute under the Nevada System of Higher Education. The mission of Science Alive is to support PreK-12 educators in science-based, environmental education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, so all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work, live and contribute in our community. Science Alive achieves our mission by providing inquiry-based STEM curriculum through our Green Boxes, offering Educator Trainings and Workshops throughout the school year, and through School Support in the form of speakers, field trips, and special opportunities.
We serve schools in every county across the state of Nevada by providing educators with free professional development or access to our Green Box program. At the start of 2015, we have served over 400 schools in Nevada (public, private, charter, or homeschool). Currently, 75% of the schools we serve are Title One schools, which are schools that receive federal assistance to close the achievement gap between low-income students and other students. Over 50% of the students we reach are on a federal assisted free and reduced lunch program (FRL) because of the their low-income status, and almost 20% are second language English learners (ELL).
DRI’s outreach and education activities started in 2000 and was named GreenPower before changing the name in 2017 to Science Alive. Back in 2000, GreenPower focused mainly on renewable energy and conservation education. The partnership was primarily funded by the NV Energy Foundation as well as the generosity of customers who voluntarily donate a few dollars each month to their NV Energy electric bill for the program. These 100-percent tax-deductible donations support renewable energy education for Nevada’s students.
In 2012, GreenPower expanded their scope to focus on supporting Nevada’s pre-K-12 educators in science-based, environmental education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, so all students could acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work, live and contribute in our community.
With the name change, in 2017, ScienceAlive expanded their scope to include neighboring states, California and Arizona, as well as promoting more STEAM based activities, field experience for teachers, and leading the only K-12 energy education program for the state, EnergySmart Education.
DRI’s ScienceAlive aims to increase scientific knowledge and understanding of the earth’s environment, promoting preservation of diverse ecosystems, advancing responsible resource management, and improving human health and welfare.
The NVEnergy Foundation continues to be the primary sponsor of ScienceAlive, but is also funded by many more sponsors and supporters, which you can find listed here.
- All students can learn and deserve an effective teacher.
- Every teacher deserves to have access to free curriculum and materials that are aligned to the current educational standards.
- Educators training fellow educators builds capacity, professionalism, and perspective.
- Sharing resources and engaging partners builds opportunity, ownership, and expertise.
Mackenzie Peterson
Education Program and Curriculum Development Lead
Phone: 775.673.7488
Email: mackenzie.peterson@dri.edu
Leah Madison
STEM Education Program Lead
Phone: 775.673.7413
Email: leah.madison@dri.edu
Craig Rosen
Community Relations and Professional Development Administrator
Phone: 702.862.5332
Email: Craig.Rosen@dri.edu
A.J. Long
Robotics and STEM Education Administrator
Phone: 775.673.7928
Email: AJ.Long@dri.edu
Chelsea Ontiveros
Science Alive Office Coordinator
Phone:775.673.7380
Email: Chelsea.Ontiveros@dri.edu
STEM Education Outreach Coordinators
Shay Hart – Southern NV
Email: shay.hart@dri.edu
Emma Beach – Southern NV
Email: emma.beach@dri.edu
Christopher King – Northern NV
Email: christopher.king@dri.edu
Brittany Shelton-Dooley – Northern NV
Email: brittany.shelton-dooley@dri.edu
Resources for the Classroom
We offer a variety of PreK-12 STEM education resources targeted at classroom use. All of our offerings are FREE and can be used by any Nevada educator, both formal and informal.
- Green Boxes: Self-contained curriculum kits that provide all the materials needed for an educator to administer a unit of hands-on STEM lessons. Click here to read more!
- EnergySmart Education: Generously supported by NV Energy and SW Gas, our EnergySmart Education program offers a variety of energy and water conservation themed programs. Click here to read more!
- Educator Trainings: We host a variety of educator workshops offering professional development credit hours. Our trainings include hands-on activities, exciting keynote speakers and take home resources. Click here to read more!
- Online Resources: We have a library of educational videos, handouts, readings and STEM career-ties that can be used to support classroom learning. All are free to download.
- Nevada Robotics: We offer robotics focused educator trainings, robotics team and club support and robotics education resources to Nevada educators. Click here to read more!
- STEM 2 Go: STEM 2 Go packs are standards-aligned, hands-on STEM activity packs designed for teachers to send home with their students to enhance STEM learning at home. Coming soon to a classroom near you!
Resources Beyond the Classroom
STEM learning doesn’t have to stop after a student leaves the classroom! We offer STEM education resources and programs with our partners in education that can be used by formal and informal educators, community organizations and families.
- STEM Kits: Designed to be used in a variety of settings, STEM Kits engage students in fun, fast, hands-on activities that can be administered in less than 1 hour! All materials are included and very little prep or setup is required! Check one out today via our Green Box reservation site! Click here to read more!
- Family STEM Nights: In partnership with Sierra Nevada Journeys, virtual Family STEM Nights are a great way for schools to bring families together to explore simple, at-home science activities. Click here to read more!
- Online Resources: Find printable STEM activity sheets and readings, as well as fun science videos from our YouTube channel.
CONTACT
Science Alive Team
sciencealive@dri.edu
(775) 673-7380
LOCATION
Desert Research Institute
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512
DIVISION
Office of Education