Parental involvement is critical to student success. The GatorTRAX program offers parents many opportunities to take an active role in their child's academic development. Parents are highly encouraged to attend, as this may sharpen your math skills and allow you to aid your child with their math homework or other problems they may have in school.
Parent volunteers are needed in the following areas:
Are you willing to help? Contact us to let us know how you can help.
Q: Is GatorTRAX still running during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Yes, however, for your safety and ours, all GatorTRAX events for Fall 2021 will be virtual for now. We will distribute DIY STEM activity kits in advance to all those who have registered. Then during the Saturday event from 10:00-11:30AM, we will demonstrate the activity and assist your child via Zoom.
Q: What will my child do during GatorTRAX?
A: There are generally two parts to a GatorTRAX day: during the first half, we go over science and mathematics principles in preparation for the second half, which is a hands-on, usually team-based activity. During one GatorTRAX day in the previous fall, for example, we learned about the mechanics of bridge design and then worked in small teams to build bridges out of wooden sticks and tape before holding an informal competition to test which team's bridge was the strongest.
Q: How do I register my child for GatorTRAX?
A: It's simple! Pre-register your child for GatorTRAX using THIS FORM, or register the day of the event before the session begins. One form must be filled out for each child. Note: you only need to register your child once. If you have already done so, there is no need to fill out another form.
Q: Who is eligible for GatorTRAX?
A: GatorTRAX is open to all students who have an interest in math and science.
Q: How much time must my child commit to GatorTRAX?
A: About 10 Saturday activities will be conducted throughout the academic year. These are scheduled from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Although students are encouraged to attend all the sessions, they are not mandatory and students should come to whichever sessions they can attend.
Q: What if my child cannot attend a Saturday activity?
A: Students selected for GatorTRAX are expected to participate in the scheduled activities. However, it is understood that sometimes schedule conflicts occur. The more sessions that a student can attend, the better, as this gives them more opportunities to learn, but they are not mandatory.
Q: How did GatorTRAX get started?
A: GatorTRAX was started with a grant from the GE Foundation. Its objective is to increase the number of underrepresented students in higher level math classes, specifically African-Americans, Hispanics, and females.