CESAME Teaching Opportunities for Cal Poly Students
SCM 302: Learn by Doing Lab
In SCM 302: Learn by Doing Lab, Cal Poly students step into the role of STEM educators, leading hands-on science experiences for local 5th - 8th grade students on Cal Poly's campus. Working alongside fellow undergraduates, students design, facilitate, and reflect on inquiry-based activities that spark curiosity and make science come alive. Whether exploring a career in teaching or building leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, students gain meaningful experience while making a positive impact on the community. SCM 302 includes both seminar and laboratory components, is offered Credit/No Credit, and may be repeated for up to 4 units.
CESAME Learning Facilitators
The General Learning Facilitator program is the entry point for students interested in joining CESAME's STEM outreach and education programs. As a General Learning Facilitator, Cal Poly students staff a CESAME Maker booth at the SLO Farmers' Market, engage in readings and reflections focused on teaching and communication, and participate in reflection meetings with fellow facilitators. Through these experiences, students develop foundational skills in STEM engagement, communication, and informal education while exploring how learning happens in community settings. Upon completing the program, students receive a $250 scholarship and become eligible to join specialized CESAME programs that align with their interests, such as ChangeMakers, Novel Engineering Facilitators, and other STEM outreach, engineering education, and community engagement initiatives.
ChangeMakers
ChangeMakers is a specialized CESAME program for students who have completed the General Learning Facilitator program and want to take a more active role in STEM education and community engagement. Working with K - 6 students in local classrooms, Cal Poly students plan and facilitate hands-on science and engineering investigations that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. Through NGSS-aligned activities, students help young learners make observations, collect data, draw conclusions, and explore solutions to challenges facing their communities and environment. Along the way, ChangeMakers develop valuable skills in teaching, leadership, communication, and lesson design while helping make science accessible, engaging, and meaningful for the next generation.
Novel Engineering Facilitators
Novel Engineering Facilitators are CESAME Learning Facilitators who have completed the General Learning Facilitator program and want to engage more deeply in STEM education and youth mentoring. Working with K - 8 students, Cal Poly students guide young learners as they read engaging books, identify problems faced by characters, and design, build, and test creative solutions. By blending literature, engineering, and problem-solving, Novel Engineering helps students connect storytelling to STEM learning in meaningful and memorable ways. Through this innovative approach, Cal Poly students develop skills in teaching, communication, facilitation, and design thinking while inspiring curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation of learners. No engineering experience is required, and students from all majors are encouraged to participate.
CESAME is constantly developing new programs and expanding existing opportunities for Cal Poly students to engage in STEM education, outreach, and community impact. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to the CESAME newsletter to stay connected and be the first to learn about new opportunities to get involved.