SMILE K-8 Outreach Program

Scripps Research's Scientists Making Impacts in Learning Environments (SMILE) Program is an innovative K-8 education initiative aimed at fostering interest and preparedness in STEM fields among elementary and middle school students in the greater San Diego region. This program aligns with Scripps Research's broader mission to inspire a new generation of scientists and make science accessible to people from all backgrounds.

This program prioritizes underserved K – 8 students in our local community. Our goals are to increase the number of K-8 students interested in and prepared for advanced study and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our approach is based on making connections between our scientists and your students while cultivating a love for topics that are relevant in their communities and everyday life. Our scientists are trained to work with you and your students and bring hands-on lessons and presentations to your classroom.

Your students will be able to experience science through the eyes of practicing researchers and participate in engaging, hands-on activities that bring NGSS concepts to life. The SMILE program brings real-world scientists into your classroom as guest teachers, offering hands-on science lessons that are:

  • Fully aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS);
  • Connected to cutting-edge STEM research and applications; and
  • Designed to be hands on and engaging in order to inspire young minds.
     

Teacher benefits include:

  • Access to high-quality, NGSS-aligned lesson plans;
  • Access to free STEM supplies, resources and equipment;
  • Teacher incentives & events;
  • Professional development opportunities through collaboration with scientists; and
  • Support in delivering complex STEM concepts through hands-on labs.
     

What to expect:

  • Our team will reach out to identify specific lessons and help you schedule a visit to your classroom.
  • Email communication with our scientists and the program coordinator and further support and resources if needed.
  • Surveys to monitor the effectiveness of our program and evaluation of the lessons.

Our guest scientists are passionate about sharing their knowledge and are trained to deliver age-appropriate, interactive lessons that complement your curriculum. To join the SMILE program or learn more, please email Nitya at nbhaskaran@scripps.edu. We'd be happy to schedule a brief call to discuss how we can support your classroom.

Here is a sampling of the types of lessons our SMILE teams can bring to your classroom.

  • "Fizz and Pop Chemistry" (grades k-8, lessons vary by grade level)
    This lesson explores the chemicals students interact with every day, specifically in their foods. Activities focus on exploring what chemicals and chemical reactions are. The lesson also explores the role of chemistry in food science (gastronomy).
  • "What Can Brains Do?" (grades 5-6)
    This neuroscience lesson guides students in a creative project to design their own brain for an animal of their choice.
  • "Break the Outbreak" (grades 5-6)
    Microbes can be found everywhere and can be good or bad for human health. To make the connection between how microbes can be both beneficial or cause disease, this lesson explores microbes in food and how foodborne illnesses are studied by epidemiologists and other scientists.
     

More lessons are being developed and will be posted here soon!