Science and Social Studies Adventures

Science and Social Studies Adventures (SASSAk12) connects diverse K–12 students and educators with active researchers to engage in community-based education and research.

We build programs that create meaningful relationships between researchers and the communities they serve through two interconnected programs: SASSA in the Classroom and Preparing Researchers for Engaging the Public (PREP). SASSA in the Classroom brings research-driven, hands-on learning to K-12 classrooms, tailored to meet teachers’ goals and students’ curiosity. PREP trains researchers – especially graduate students and early career scholars – to share their work in ways that are relevant, engaging, and accessible.

We connect researchers with K–12 students to help both sides better understand the relationship between what happens in research and what happens in society. This is not a one-way model. We don’t believe science is something to be delivered to communities – it’s something that grows with them. Our work is rooted in reciprocity. K–12 students and teachers get access to inspiring, real-world learning opportunities. Researchers and volunteers gain vital communication skills and a deeper understanding of how their work can make a difference.