STEM Center for Teaching and Learning

EXPLORE THIS SECTION
EXPLORE THIS SECTION
STEM Kits and Lesson Plans

Mission Statement

The STEM Center for Teaching and Learning provides STEM professional development for teachers in partnering local education agencies, provides a repository of STEM teaching supplies with associated lesson plans, and provides presentations of STEM educational activities for K-16 students, civic organizations, and businesses in West Tennessee. These activities support the university mission to educate and engage responsible citizens.

Summer 2024 Workshops

Demystifying Science Models in the Elementary Classroom

This one-day workshop for elementary school teachers is aligned to Tennessee science standards which will be implemented in fall 2025. Are you tired of giving students a solar system or food chain worksheet on which they fill in blanks after you give them answers? Would you like see how to have students show their thinking regardless of grade-level? Then this workshop led by Alex Aitken is for you! Participants will learn and practice ways for students to work out models of phenomena even before you explain the “science” behind it. Phenomena allow students to See, Think, and Wonder about what they just observed. Participants will explore interesting scientific phenomena applicable across multiple grade bands and multiple curricula to strengthen students’ grasp of how the world works. Explore types of models and ways to teach with models. Participants will receive equipment to conduct the phenomena and modeling techniques as well as full access to slides and student hand-outs. Participants will also receive updates on the new science standards and access to resources that decrease time spent looking for activities and materials. Lunch is provided. Addresses the following domains: LS4.B Natural Selection and PS3.A Definitions of Energy.

Elementary science June 4 Ripley

Chem - Is - Try: Inquiry-based, hypothesis-forming, and observation-driven chemistry activities

This one-day workshop for middle school teachers is aligned to Tennessee science standards which will be implemented in fall 2025. Dr. Abigail Shelton and Dr. Robbie Montgomery will lead demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to encourage students to try new things and experiment.  The workshop will cover foundational concepts of the scientific method, limiting reactants, and Lewis Dot Structures; participants will also explore more advanced topics like building batteries, nuclear chemistry reactions, gas laws, and acid/base concepts. Participants will receive a kit of activities along with lesson plans. Lunch is provided.  This middle-school workshop is offered twice.  Attend only once. Addresses standards 6.PS3.1, 7.PS1. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7.PS3.1, and 8.PS1.1.  

Middle School Chemistry June 6 Martin

Middle School Chemistry June 7 Ripley

Chem - Is - Try: Inquiry-based, hypothesis-forming, and observation-driven chemistry activities

This one-day workshop for high school chemistry teachers is aligned to Tennessee science standards which will be implemented in fall 2025. Dr. Abigail Shelton and Dr. Robbie Montgomery will lead demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to encourage students to try new things and experiment.  The workshop will cover foundational concepts of the scientific method, limiting reactants, and Lewis Dot Structures; participants will also explore more advanced topics like building batteries, nuclear chemistry reactions, gas laws, and acid/base concepts. Participants will receive a kit of activities along with lesson plans. Lunch is provided. Addresses standards CHEM1.PS1. 3, 8, 12, 16, 17, & 18.

HS Chemistry June 5 Martin

STEM Center Goals

  1. Develop and provide quality professional development for teachers of science and mathematics.
  2. Encourage and support STEM-related outreach programs initiated by university faculty.
  3. Assist with designing professional development and research programs.
  4. Inspire and motivate students across all levels of PK-16 to study, learn, and apply the concepts of mathematics and science.
  5. Encourage and facilitate collaboration among business, industry, education, and state policymakers to ensure a skilled, capable future workforce.

If you feel that the STEM Center can help you or your organization, please contact us.

Newsletter

To be added to or removed from the list, please email Steve Elliott at eelliot7@utm.edu

Spring 2024 Newsletter

Fall 2023 Newsletter

STEM Center for Teaching and Learning
CONTACT:
Dr. Steve Elliott, Director
LOCATION:
341 Latimer-Smith
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TN 38238