GatorTRAX
About
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GatorTRAX is a free K-12 math and engineering outreach program that is run through the combined efforts of student volunteers from the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi and the University of Florida's College of Engineering. GatorTRAX is designed to complement education received in Alachua County public schools. Our fun and educational activity modules are designed to suit the needs and abilities of various age groups. Encouraging both innovation and teamwork, these modules range from activities reinforcing classroom math concepts to hands-on activities demonstrating core engineering principles. We require only that parents register through the one-time permission form and bring their students to the Saturday sessions on our calendar. We take care of the rest!
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Students
GatorTRAX is for students who are interested in math and careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, especially those students who are underrepresented in engineering fields. Many exciting, high-paying careers depend on a solid foundation in mathematics. Plus, the Saturday sessions are guaranteed to be a fun learning experience spent with your friends.
When will I ever use this math?
Saturday Engineering is designed to show you how you can use the math you learn in the classroom in the real world. Design a bridge, build a rocket, discover how pumps work, and see for yourself how math makes computers work. The possibilities are endless!
How do I apply for GatorTRAX?
It's simple! Have your parents sign up here.
When will I ever use this math?
Saturday Engineering is designed to show you how you can use the math you learn in the classroom in the real world. Design a bridge, build a rocket, discover how pumps work, and see for yourself how math makes computers work. The possibilities are endless!
How do I apply for GatorTRAX?
It's simple! Have your parents sign up here.
Parents
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:
Parent volunteers are needed in the following areas:
- Help us spread the word about GatorTRAX by contacting all the parents and teachers you know to tell them about our program!
- Provide feedback to the GatorTRAX team
Frequently Asked Questions
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! If you haven't already, sign-up for GatorTRAX emails using this form. We will send out emails containing reservations, registration forms, and event details closer to our individual planned dates, and you can also 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. All registrations are first-come-first-serve.
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 - 11:30 AM. 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?
GatorTRAX was formed under a grant from the GE Foundation through its K-12 Math Excellence Initiative, and is now funded by a variety of corporate and private sponsors. Project collaborators include:
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
UF College of Education
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME)
UF American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Chapter
UF American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Chapter