studentcorps

Kids4Kids Chapter Organizes the Physics Playground

by studentcorpsSeptember 15, 2026September 15, 2026Leave a comment

On August 23rd, the Kids4Kids chapter of NorCal Student Corps hosted the 3rd Physics Playground at the Cupertino Library. Designed to spark curiosity and excitement for science in kids and families, the interactive workshop featured a variety of hands-on stations where participants explored key physics concepts through fun and engaging activities. Children learned about DIY telegraphs and submarines, experimented with electrostatic forces, and discovered the wonders of Bernoulli’s principle. Other demonstrations included exploring capillary action, testing the effects of surface tension, and more.

With opportunities to tinker, create, and learn, the Physics Playground turned complex physics ideas into playful, accessible experiments, leaving participants inspired to see science in everyday life.

Written by Olivia Zhu

Student Corps Partners with the City of Mountain View to Enrich Shoreline Park’s Native Plant Garden

by studentcorpsFebruary 8, 2025Leave a comment

by Ruipeng Zeng, Dec 30th, 2024

On December 15, 2024, the Northern California branch of the Student Corps joined forces with the City of Mountain View to enhance the native plant garden located at Sleeper Park along the Stevens Creek Trail. This initiative brought together enthusiastic students and community partners to plant over seven species of native shrubs, including narrow-leaf milkweed, manzanita, thistle, and sunflower.

For two hours, participants worked in teams, digging holes and carefully transferring the plants from their pots into the soil. Their efforts were guided by Ben Martinez, a dedicated park ranger, who shared insights about the ecological benefits of these native plants. Martinez explained that the new additions to the garden would provide essential support to local wildlife and help restore the ecosystem along the trail.

One highlight of the event was learning about the California Buckeye trees, two of which were planted during the project. Martinez shared that these trees would grow to more than 20 feet tall, sparking excitement among the students. Many expressed their eagerness to return in the future to witness the transformation and growth of the garden.

NorCal Chapters Meet with BBBS Bay Area

by studentcorpsDecember 30, 2024Leave a comment

On December 14th, the Student Corps NorCal Chapter met with Sharmaine Sun from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area. As part of their ongoing partnership, Student Corps presented a $1,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area during the gathering. The chapter supervisor and members Iris Zeng, Melinda Wong, and Michelle Li discussed Student Corps’ activities and even potential future events with BBBS of the Bay Area.

Written by Michelle Li

NorCal Student Corps Chapters Volunteer at Resource Area For Teaching

by studentcorpsAugust 13, 2024Leave a comment

On July 28th, NorCal Student Corps members gathered to help RAFT (Resource Area For Teaching) prepare for the upcoming school year. Some students scalloped cardboard, while others bundled yarn for upcoming RAFT products. Another group sorted donated materials, STEAM Project Kits, and school supplies. Through volunteering, the students enabled local educators to implement hands-on techniques in their STEAM curriculum. In addition, RAFT’s use of donated and recycled products ensured that this learning would not come at the cost of the environment.

Written by Michelle Li

NorCal Chapters Participate in Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful

by studentcorpsApril 23, 2024Leave a comment

On April 7, Northern California Student Corps chapters returned to action with Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful. Both parties celebrated the continued partnership with a resoundingly successful creek cleanup, a fitting—if somewhat early—observance of Earth Day. Students gave their full effort for three hours, helping to remove nearly six thousand pounds of trash ranging from tiny plastics to a dining table. Other highlight finds included seventeen shopping carts, numerous bicycle frames and parts, and a washing machine drum embedded in the creek bed, which a number of students worked tirelessly to remove for over an hour. By the end of the event, students were left fulfilled knowing that their efforts removed trash that would have directly caused harm throughout the Bay Area’s ecosystems.

Written by Steven Wang