About SciTech

SciTech is an after-school program for girls in grades 4–6 at San Diego-area elementary schools. Each participating school selects 30 students and hosts the weekly two-hour SciTech program on school campus from October to May. Students engage in hands-on science investigations on everything from solar car design to household chemistry. Through project-based learning, students make concrete connections to everyday life while developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills that they will use throughout their lives.

Going Virtual for 2020-2021

The SciTech program will be offered virtually for the 2020-2021 school year to provide this program in a way that will support all schools regardless of their location. Each week will be filled with new challenges, hands-on activities that can be done either from home or at your school campus, depending on your district plans. Students that participate in SciTech will receive:

• Video content that introduces the challenge designed specifically for SciTech
• Provided materials ranging from craft supplies to science specialty items selected by our SciTech Educator
• Designated live virtual weekly meetings with their classmates, school contact person and SciTech Educator to keep everyone connected, share results and ask questions.

We will work closely with SciTech school partners to provide opportunities to fit each school’s scheduling needs or limitations. Please feel free to include any additional information regarding schedules or changes at you school in your application.

The SciTech Mission

SciTech inspires girls to become innovative and creative thinkers by fostering excitement and interest in science, technology, and engineering.

Through inquiry-based, collaborative investigations, family engagement and interactions with female role models, SciTech aims to:

• Build self-confidence and science interest among girls in San Diego area schools.

• Foster an interest in science, technology, and engineering careers.

• Make science accessible to girls in underrepresented communities.

• Develop connections between girls and the local scientific community.

Making an Impact

Fleet Science Center - SciTech Girls from Katherine McDonald on Vimeo.

Click here for information on challenge scenarios that you can try with your school!

TECH CHALLENGE

Past Events: 

May 4, 2019
10 a.m.

On Saturday, May 4, students and family from six SciTech schools will witness the Rover Drop and Delivery competition at the Fleet Science Center. This free event is open to the public with general admission. 

Participating schools include:

• Vista Square Elementary

• Bayside STEAM Academy

• El Toyon Elementary

• Rancho de la Nacion

• Golden Hill K-8

• Kimball School

May 5, 2018
10 a.m.

Over 200 attendees, including SciTech students and their families, attended Tech Challenge in 2018. This year, students explored geology, seismic waves and engineering through the construction of earthquake-proof structures. 

Six SciTech schools completed to see who designed the strongest building. Schools represented include:

• Vista Square Elementary

• Bayside STEAM Academy

• El Toyon Elementary

• Rancho de la Nacion

• Encanto Elementary

• Golden Hill K-8

About Tech Challenge

SciTech concludes with a culminating Tech Challenge at the Fleet Science Center. SciTech students learn of real-world problems and are given time, tools and encouragement to devise a solution. One year, students might learn about plate tectonics and then collaborate with classmates to design structures capable of withstanding earthquake-like forces. The next year students might learn about the material science of plastics and then devise a solution to the Great Pacific garbage patch. Tech Challenge encourages students to learn more about their environment through a scientific lens and empowers them to find solutions in ways that will benefit our community in the future.

        J.W. Sefton Foundation