Headwaters Science Institute

Headwaters Science Institute We are a science education non-profit specializing in creating engaging scientific research programs

Our programs create opportunities for students to make their own scientific inquiries and pursue answers through authentic field experiences. We make use of an inspiring and engaging field setting to give students a hands-on scientific experience. Students participate in everything from developing questions and experiments to analyzing evidence, to collecting data as part of long-term studies, to

identifying the role of history in ecology. We aim to provide memorable, meaningful experiences that have lasting impacts on students beyond the programs themselves. Our goal is that this empowers students to think critically, to feel ownership of their learning, to feel engaged with science, and to open doors for students who believe that science is too boring or intimidating to consider careers in science. As an organization, we are committed to providing these experiences and understandings, not just to those who can afford these trips, but to all students, We hope to show students that science does not just happen in a lab and is not only done by people holding advanced degrees; it is fun, exciting, and omnipresent.

Thanks to a generous grant from Santa Clara Valley Water District, we had the opportunity to work with 57 of Ms. Rader’s...
05/29/2026

Thanks to a generous grant from Santa Clara Valley Water District, we had the opportunity to work with 57 of Ms. Rader’s freshman biology students during a three-week, hands-on environmental science research experience.

Students designed their own research projects focused on soil, plants, insects, water quality, and human impact while conducting real field research at the creek behind campus. Alongside Headwaters scientists, they collected data, analyzed results using DataClassroom, and presented their findings to their classmates like true scientists!

The program wrapped up with a creek and campus litter cleanup where students connected their observations to discussions about environmental stewardship and human impact on local ecosystems.

We are so proud of the curiosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm these students brought to every step of the process. Thank you to Prospect High School, Ms. Rader, and Santa Clara Valley Water District for making this experience possible!

We completed a hands-on research experience with 9th grade biology students at LPS Oakland.Students began in the classro...
05/28/2026

We completed a hands-on research experience with 9th grade biology students at LPS Oakland.

Students began in the classroom learning the scientific method, developing research questions, and designing studies around topics including plants, insects, soil, water quality, and human impact. They then conducted fieldwork in the Marin Headlands, collecting ecological data and observing local wildlife.

Back in the classroom, students analyzed their data using DataClassroom, created graphs, and presented their findings, sharing their research process and conclusions with the class. Thank you to Synopsys for the support!

We had an incredible 3-day, 2-night program with 19 students from Cal Middle School at Clair Tappaan Lodge!Students dove...
05/14/2026

We had an incredible 3-day, 2-night program with 19 students from Cal Middle School at Clair Tappaan Lodge!

Students dove into hands-on, student-driven research, exploring topics like soil moisture and insect populations, water flow and plant diversity, and water quality across different environments. Their curiosity, teamwork, and excitement for science made this group such a joy to work with.

Beyond the science, students connected with nature through a scavenger hunt bingo and an Andy Goldsworthy-inspired nature art activity, bringing creativity and play into their experience.

Thank you to the Negley Flinn Foundation and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for helping make this program possible!

05/08/2026

Join us for a special follow-up Live Q&A with Dr. Brea Gillespie, featured speaker from our Lunch with a Scientist series, as we dive deeper into the incredible world of bees and pollinators.

In this interactive session, Dr. Gillespie answers your questions about bee physiology, behavior, and the essential role pollinators play in sustaining healthy ecosystems and food systems. Building on her original talk, she explores the challenges facing bee populations today and shares practical, accessible ways you can support pollinators right in your own community, from planting pollinator gardens to making more environmentally conscious choices.

Dr. Gillespie holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis and San Diego State University, and earned her undergraduate degree from Spelman College. Her research spans diverse environmental topics, including fog patterns across California, salinity in the Florida Everglades, and bumblebee populations in Connecticut. She is also deeply committed to science education and community engagement, working with students and volunteering with organizations like the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, Pollinator Posse, and the California Native Plant Society.

Whether you're a student, educator, or nature enthusiast, this Q&A is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of pollinators and learn how small actions can create meaningful impact.

We’re 42% of the way to our Big Day of Giving goal, with just 6 hours left to support life-changing science programs for...
05/08/2026

We’re 42% of the way to our Big Day of Giving goal, with just 6 hours left to support life-changing science programs for local students.

At Headwaters Science Institute, the majority of our programs are funded through donations and grants. Community support is what makes it possible for students to conduct real scientific research, explore the natural world firsthand, and discover new confidence in STEM.

Your support helps fund our summer camps, school science programs, and virtual Research Experience program —, creating opportunities for students to work alongside scientists, collect real-world data, and engage in meaningful hands-on science learning.

Because of supporters like you, students don’t just learn about science — they do science.

With only hours left, every gift helps expand access to hands-on science education and create more opportunities for students to connect with nature, research, and discovery.

Donate now: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/Headwaters

We’re 38% of the way to our goal, with just 11 hours left to grow something incredible.Today is the Big Day of Giving, a...
05/07/2026

We’re 38% of the way to our goal, with just 11 hours left to grow something incredible.

Today is the Big Day of Giving, and we’re working to raise $35,000 to bring hands-on science experiences to students across our region.

Every donation today plants a seed of wonder.
A seed that grows when a student steps outside to explore nature firsthand, asks their own scientific questions, collects real-world data, and discovers that science is something they can do, not just read about.

For many of the schools we serve, this funding is what makes outdoor science education possible. Your support helps spark curiosity, confidence, and connection to the natural world in the next generation of scientists, explorers, and changemakers.

With only hours left, every gift has the power to help something meaningful take root.

Donate now and help us grow wonder, discovery, and opportunity for local students. https://bit.ly/4f8y7mx

Be part of something bigger.

Today is the Sacramento Region Community Foundation BIG DAY of Giving! Today, we’re rallying our community to raise $35,...
05/07/2026

Today is the Sacramento Region Community Foundation BIG DAY of Giving!

Today, we’re rallying our community to raise $35,000 to power hands-on science programs that inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers, and changemakers.

For many of the schools we serve, this funding is what makes outdoor science education possible. Your gift helps students get outside, explore nature firsthand, ask their own scientific questions, and collect real-world data.

Every donation today plants a seed of wonder, curiosity, and confidence in a young learner. And with just hours to make an impact, every gift matters more than ever.

Join us in creating unforgettable learning experiences for students across our region. Together, we can make science come alive.

Donate now: https://bit.ly/4f8y7mx

Be part of something bigger.

Big Day of Giving is TOMORROW! https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/HeadwatersWe’re raising $35,000 to power our ...
05/06/2026

Big Day of Giving is TOMORROW!

https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/organization/Headwaters

We’re raising $35,000 to power our science programs. The majority of the schools we serve rely on this funding to get students outside exploring nature, asking their own scientific questions, and collecting real data.

Early giving is already open, so you don’t have to wait!

Help us plant a seed of wonder and curiosity in every student. Your support makes hands-on science possible.

Donate today and be part of something bigger.

Address

Soda Springs, CA
95728

Telephone

+15304263063

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Headwaters Science Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Headwaters Science Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Category