STEM Academies for Students K-12 student activities build an early foundation for a lifelong appreciation of STEM

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education offers exciting events, activities and programs for K-12 students to engage in STEM education opportunities that build a solid foundation for future STEM careers. Through our STEM academies, mainly offered during the summer months, students are exposed to a variety of engaging activities that supplement classroom learning and encourage an interest in STEM-related subjects.

ORISE K-12 activities offer students a way to participate in authentic, hands-on experiences designed to engage young minds in STEM subjects and challenge them beyond the classroom environment. Students interested in learning more about STEM careers can participate in several programs that will give one-of-a-kind experiences and access to professional researchers.

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KinderCoding Class

For rising 1st – 3rd graders

KinderCoding Class is a day-long introduction to the basics of coding for elementary students. Let them see that coding can be easy while they learn and practice new skills with their peers. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. We will have an alternate list to contact if spaces become available.

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Boe-Bots Academy

For rising 7th - 9th graders

The Boe-Bots Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a robot. This is an introductory program and no prior experience of knowledge is needed.

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Scratch Programming Mini-Academy

For rising 6th – 8th graders

The Scratch Programming Mini-Academy is a chance for your middle school student to get an introduction to coding and see just how easy it can be! Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. We will have an alternate list to contact if spaces become available.

Students explore math through day of fun activities

Math Exploration Day

For rising 1st-6th graders

Math Exploration Day is a fun and education-filled day of challenges to let your elementary student practice their math skills and collaborate with peers. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. We will have an alternate list to contact if spaces become available.

Two male students participate in the CIA Robotics Academy

CIA Robotics Academy

The CIA Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a robot. Students will have an opportunity to see robotics equipment in action on a tour and will learn from robotics and engineering research scientists.

Learn more about the CIA Robotics Academy

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Advanced Robotics Academy

For rising 9-12th grades

The ORISE Advanced Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 9th-12th grade students who already have a basic knowledge of building and programming a robot. The week will be filled with exciting and challenging activities! Working in small teams, students will move beyond robotics basics and explore autonomous operation and machine learning. Students will develop skills and mindsets to help them to grow into engineers, computer programmers, and technology leaders of the future. Participants should have prior experience with robotics. This Academy is not designed for beginners.

Students conduct research in a lab during the Joint Science and Technology Institute at Albuquerque

Joint Science and Technology Institute, West

The Joint Science and Technology Institute at Albuquerque (JSTI-ABQ) is a two-week, fully-funded, residential STEM research program for current high school students in New Mexico. The purpose of the program is to inspire and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields, increase STEM literacy, and expose students to the importance of STEM through hands-on, relevant research.

Learn more about JSTI-West

A student holds a 3D printed object during the Joint Science and Technology Institute, Aberdeen Proving Ground

Joint Science and Technology Institute, East

The Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) is a two-week, residential program at Aberdeen Proving Ground (Md.) for current high school students that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects. This program enables students to work with real-world scientists and increase student awareness of career opportunities in STEM-related fields. There is also a one-week component for middle school students. 

Learn more about JSTI-East

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Artificial Intelligence Mini-Academy

For rising 7th - 9th graders

The ORISE Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mini-Academy is a two-day program to introduce middle school students to AI and its uses and applications. Students will engage in exciting and challenging activities over the two-day period to develop skills and knowledge to help them grow into technology leaders of the future. This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.

Tennessee Science Bowl teammates confer on a question

Tennessee Science Bowl

The Tennessee Science Bowl brings together student teams from across the state to compete head to head for bragging rights, cash prizes, and to represent Tennessee at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. The annual event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office, ORAU, ORISE, and other organizations. 

Learn more about Tennessee Science Bowl