Enrichment Programs at Westlake

There are several exciting and rewarding enrichment programs at Westlake, supported by your PTA contributions and donations made to instructors to cover the cost of materials and instruction.

For more information, please contact the enrichment program chair, Angela Dobkin.

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Young Scientist Club

Presenters
Xavier Prochaska
UCSC Astronomy & Astrophysics
Black Holes


Bonnie Brown
Moss Landing Marine Labs: Fisheries and Conservation Biology Lab
Life of a Marine Scientist


Michael Wehner
UCSC Computer Engineering
People & Robots


Mariana Chavez
City of San Jose-Wastewater Management
Beyond the Flush: What Happens to the Water We Use?


Michael Stone
UCSC Chemistry Department


Alison Stimpert & Brijonnay Madrigal
Moss Landing Marine Labs
How to Talk to a Whale


Catherine Drake
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Overview
What is the Young Scientist Club? 
The Young Scientist Club is a PTA Sponsored program for K thru 5th Grade Students to provide them with an introduction to science and the research going on around us.  It’s a Science Lecture Series for kids! Learn first hand what's new from professional scientists.  For 6 weeks in the Fall, on Wednesday mornings before school, we invite a scientist, engineers or researcher to make a presentation regarding their area of expertise.  It is usually a mixture of lecture and possible demonstration/activity.  We want to take advantage of the organizations right in our backyard and nearby - UCSC, Moss Landing Labs, NOAA, Long Marine Laboratory, Local Companies, and more! 
 
How do I enroll?
Look for Registration Forms in the School Office or email westlakeptaenrichment@gmail.com
1) Student First and Last Name
2) Grade & Teacher Name
3) Parent Name & Email

*Please note:  We require that parents of Kindergarten students, and highly recommend parents of First Grade students, attend the first lecture with their child, in order to assess their interest and ability to focus for an approximately 30 minute lecture.  Some kids this age will have no problem making it through, but others may struggle.  Parents of students in any grade should feel free, and are encouraged, to stay with their kids for each lecture if they have any concerns about their child's ability to last the full time period or concern that their child may have trouble getting to their classroom once the event is over.  Parents are also welcome to stay for any lecture that may be of interest to them.

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