K-12 STEM Education Outreach
Welcome to the K-12 OUTREACH portal, where we share experiences and opportunities in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education. Participants in our programs range from elementary students benefiting from our service learning course in Physics Pedagogy to high school students engaging in the exciting design and build process of the FIRST Robotics Bayou Regional Competition. At a time when our world is so dependent upon STEM innovation and discovery, it is important that we expose young people in meaningful and appealing ways, in order to encourage them to consider these fields. On this site, you can explore not only what we offer for K-12 students, but also how Tulane students, faculty, and staff and members of the surrounding community can get involved in volunteering at a local competition or science fair, mentoring a K-12 project or team, or assisting teachers in the classroom. The opportunities are endless! So roll up your sleeves, and jump right on in. It’s your turn to make a difference in the education of a child.
Outreach Programs
FIRST Lego League (FLL)
FIRST Lego League (FLL) Competition offers an opportunity for middle school students to design, build and compete with a robot constructed of Legos and to create and deliver a 5 minute research presentation on the annual competition theme. Tulane supports these programs by providing board members, tournament organizers, mentors and volunteers. More Information »
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is referred to as “the varsity sport for the mind,” which combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of at least 25 students raise funds, design team “brands”, hone teamwork skills, and build/program robots to perform prescribed tasks against competitors. Tulane supports these programs by providing board members, tournament organizers, mentors and volunteers. More Information »
Tulane Science Scholars Program
Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) is a selective program for students in 10th–12th grade who have exceptional talent in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Non-credit summer and Saturday academic year classes are offered by faculty members and graduate students who are passionate about sharing their subject area. More Information »
NOLA Smile
NOLA Smile is a partnership among the Recovery School District (RSD), Tulane University (TU) (specifically the Teacher Certification Program in the Newcomb-Tulane College and the School of Science and Engineering), the Scott S. Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives, LIGO (The Livingston Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Lusher Charter Public Schools, and the Isidore Newman School. More Information »
Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair
Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair (GNOSEF), held annually in March, is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and is open to 6th–12th grade students attending middle or high school (including home school) in the Greater New Orleans four-parish-area of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes. More Information »
Service Learning Courses
Service Learning Courses provide an educational experience based upon a collaborative partnership between Tulane and the community. “Learning by doing” enables students to apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to meet genuine community needs. More Information »
DOE Regional Science Bowl
DOE Regional Science Bowl, hosted locally by DOE's Strategic Petroleum Reserve Project Management Office and held on Tulane’s campus in 2008 and 2009, is an academic competition between teams of high school students who answer questions on topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, earth and computer science and mathematics. More Information »
Sally Ride Science Festival
Sally Ride Science Festival brings together hundreds of 5th-8th grade girls for a festive day of science and socializing with the goal of exciting them about science and engineering and careers in those fields. The one day event consists of workshops, activities, and exhibits and will be hosted on Tulane’s campus in April, 2010. More Information »
Core Element
Core Element prepares teachers to use curriculum and equipment that allow them to provide their students with minds-on learning opportunities that build a foundation for excellence in STEM fields. The program is organized to impact as many as 56,000 K-12 students throughout the New Orleans region and is comprised of a dynamic group of highly committed and passionate individuals. More Information »
Merit Badge University
Merit Badge University is a day-long event where boy scouts can earn merit badges in Electricity, Electronics, and Engineering as well as Law, Medicine, and Communications, instructed by Tulane faculty or alumni. The event also welcomes the boys (and their parents) to Tulane, and they're encouraged to consider Tulane as they begin to formulate their long range plans. More Information »
School of Science and Engineering, 201 Lindy Boggs Center, New Orleans, LA 70118 504-865-5764 sse@tulane.edu