What is STEM Education in Oak Ridge Schools?

When most people first hear the word STEM, they immediately think of the acronym: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  And while Oak Ridge Schools provides numerous opportunities for students to experience STEM-specific content in Elementary, Middle, and High School, true STEM Education teaches a set of behaviors and skills that students need to be successful in the 21st century workforce. There are many skills and behaviors associated with STEM, however, the four most commonly discussed in our district are the 4C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Creativity (creative problem-solving).

Every teacher in Oak Ridge Schools is a STEM teacher and every class a student takes from preschool through 12th grade will provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice STEM.  STEM Education would not be complete without real-world connections to curriculum and problem and project-based learning opportunities. We want our students to be able to answer questions that don’t have an obvious answer, create solutions to relevant problems, successfully work with peers and community members to find answers, and be able to effectively communicate their findings. STEM is one of the powerful tools to help every student be prepared for college, career, and life success.

What is the purpose of the ORS STEM Committee?

The purpose of the STEM Committee is two-fold:  parents and community members learn about what STEM opportunities are occurring in our schools and how they can support that work, as well as how Oak Ridge Schools can support our community and businesses through STEM Education.  Because STEM Education and CCTE are closely linked, this committee will take the place of the ORS Advisory Board so that our members’ time will not be overly taxed. Dr. Holly Cross will continue to play a crucial role in this committee.

Possible Discussion points:

  • School STEM Needs (ex: content experts, volunteers, etc.)
  • District STEM Initiatives
  • STEM Certification/Recertification
  • Available internships and grants
  • STEM skills and behaviors needed for jobs in community in addition to the 4Cs

Quarterly Meeting Dates for 22-23 School Year:

  • Monday, August 8
  • Tuesday, November 1
  • Monday, January 23
  • Tuesday, April 11

Want to join the ORS STEM Committee?

If you are an interested staff member, parent, or community partner, please fill out a short survey using this link to join. You will then be sent calendar invites and be added to our Microsoft Teams page.

Meeting Artifacts

November 15, 2021

January 18, 2022

April 11, 2022

August 8, 2022

November 1, 2022

** Next meeting will be Monday, January 23, 2023 from 4-5pm.**

Ways to Contribute to STEM Education in Oak Ridge Schools

  • Woodland Elementary is needing guest speakers throughout the year for various professions: Arborist, Meteorologist, Ornithologist, Civil Engineer, Construction, Beekeeper, Botanist, Paleontologist, and Water Supply Management. If you would like to help, please contact STEM Coach Clark Ward.
  • Glenwood Elementary is asking for community partners who are interested in leading a STEM demonstration/activity/experiment for their annual STEM Night on September 29 from 5-7pm.  They will provide the space, tables, etc.  If you would like to participate, please contact STEM Coach Tracey Sizemore.
  • Robertsville Middle School is in need of a Robotics advisor as well as advisors for Technology Student Association (TSA).  If interested, please contact Sandra Burnette.
  • Willow Brook Elementary is hosting an International STEM Night on February 15.  If you are a community partner and would like to participate contact Michelle Chenot or Tiffany Collins.
  • If you have any upcoming events or activities you would like to have promoted, the Business Academy at Oak Ridge High School is looking for real-world experience creating these promotional materials. Contact Terri Lloyd if you have a community event you want promoted.
  • Our CCTE programs need our community’s input on workforce development.  Click here to take a short survey.

Available Community Partner Resources

  • ORISE/ORAU monthly lesson plan competition  provides funds or materials.  Click here to learn more or contact Jennifer Tyrell.
  • The STEM Teacher Resources page is regularly updated and contains science, math, and STEM curriculum resources, grant/competition opportunities, professional development opportunities, and Project-based learning documents and resources. Click here to go to page.
  • East TN STEM Hub has numerous events coming up this year for students, families, and staff.  Click here for more information or contact committee member Dr. Lynn Hodge if you have questions.
  • Ben Green, a Y-12 Development Mechanical Engineer, has offered to bring 3D printers and participate in STEM Nights.
  • Staci Monroe has offered to have people from DOE come out to participate in STEM Nights or speak to classes.
  • Tyler Riley from Beehive Industries, an additive manufacturing company formally called Volunteer Aerospace, has offered to participate in STEM Nights.
  • Burns & McDonnell is an Architectural, Engineering, and Construction firm in Oak Ridge.  They have offered to participate in STEM Nights or speak to classes.  Contact Philip Voegtle if you are interested.  The firm will also be offering a STEM grant program for teachers soon with grants ranging from $500 to $5000.  Click here to learn about the grant.
  • Dr. Katharine Page, a Materials Science and Engineering professor from UTK, is currently looking for school partners to participate in an NSF grant that is partly focused on Materials Science Outreach with underrepresented Middle School students.