Watch: Science Action Club Creates Meaningful Science Experiences in Rural Alaska

An initiative of the California Academy of Sciences, this citizen-science-driven, national program allows kids and adults to experience nature in their communities in new ways.

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Known for its diverse wildlife and awe-inspiring mountains and forests, Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Yet while natural beauty abounds, opportunities for science engagement in the state are limited. Enter Science Action Club, a citizen-science-centric program of the California Academy of Sciences that has brought hands-on, interactive science experiences to kids and adults across the country for nearly a decade.

In this video, you will meet Thomas Azzarella, the lead trainer of Science Action Club in Alaska. Azzarella equips educators in the state with the tools to inspire students to thoughtfully explore and examine the science that exists all around them. Brianna Redfern, an educator in the town of Nikiski, explains that because the town is so rural, “a lot of our students don’t have exposure to science [engagement]. But science is everywhere.” Through Science Action Club, her students are able to go on “bug safaris” to collect specimens. Then they contribute their research to a much larger science community via Science Action Club’s global, online network.

Science Action Club has engaged over 42,000 students and educators across more than 200 communities throughout the country since 2011.

Science Action Club, a program of the California Academy of Sciences, joined the Science Sandbox community of awardees in June 2017.

Stories of Impact highlight the real-world influences of Science Sandbox projects through personal narratives, videos and interviews. Discover more stories here.