Tennessee Tech University

About STEM Center User Group Training & Membership | Teachers 3rd-12th

Membership Rewards for Teachers

• SIX (6) HOURS of professional development training utilizing NASA educator resources.
• TRAINING includes two (2) hands-on cross-curricular, Tennessee Curriculum Standards-aligned activities, and a Virtual Theater experience. 
• ELIGIBILITY to bring students to the Oakley STEM Center’s EXPEDITIONS field trip program. During EXPEDITIONS, User Group Members lead science, technology, engineering, and math-related activities in the STEM Center’s premier, state-of-the-art learning studios. In preparation for leading the activities, User Group Members preview and participate in the same activities that students will experience on an EXPEDITIONS field trip.
• ACCESS to the STEM Center’s lending library – including books, videos, posters, and select laboratory equipment. 
• NEON Registration (NASA Educators On-line Network).
• ATTEND one (1) day of STEM Center User Group Training you become a member of the STEM User Group for one year!

EXPEDITION Field Trips for Students (FREE)

During an EXPEDITIONS Field Trip 3rd-12th grade students participate in:

• Two hands-on, minds-on, cross-curricular, standards-aligned activities, in addition to a Virtual Theater Experience.
• EXPEDITIONS take place at the Oakley STEM Center utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources.

Eligibility

• Only STEM Center User Group Members are eligible to bring their students on an EXPEDITIONS Field Trip.
• STEM Center User Group Members lead the hands-on activities for their students.
• STEM Center staff will lead the Virtual Theater experience.

Program Schedule

• An EXPEDITION is approximately 3 ½ - 4 hours in length and can be tailored to accommodate a variety of arrival and departure times. EXPEDITIONS are scheduled throughout the months of May and August.

Sample Schedule:
15 minutes: Welcome & Orientation
50 minutes: Activity 1
50 minutes: Activity 2
50 minutes: Activity 3
Though lunch is not provided as part of the program, we can schedule a lunch break and have refrigeration on-site in which to store sack lunches and beverages.

EXPEDITION Dates in May 2012:
M-F, May 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11
M-F, May 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18
M-F, May 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25

Number of Students Served

• Each activity can accommodate 25-35 students.
• Total capacity is 75-100 students during one EXPEDITION.
• If you would like to bring more than 100 students, up to 125 students can be accommodated by adding an additional 50-minute activity, “Train Like an Astronaut” (a P.E. activity produced by NASA).

Information & Registration for EXPEDITION Field Trips

• For more detailed information and to register for FREE EXPEDITION Field Trips CLICK HERE.

 Registration for STEM Center User Group Training | $60

• Teachers can register online through the STEM Center's MarketPlace Store.
• MarketPlace accepts credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Has Your School Made Arrangements to Pay for Your User Group Training?

• When registering online, please enter the PROMO CODE: COUNTY.

ATTENTION Putnam County Teachers / MY LEARNING PLAN

• If you have notified your school system's MY LEARNING PLAN of your intention to participate in the STEM User Group Professional Development Training - YOU MUST ALSO REGISTER THROUGH THE STEM CENTER'S ONLINE MARKETPLACE.
• Registering with Putnam County's MY LEARNING PLAN, does not automatically register you with the STEM Center programs.

Prefer to Pay by Check?

• If you prefer to pay the $60 registration fee by check, please complete the Online MarketPlace Registration and enter the PROMO CODE: CHECK.
• Make check payable to: Tennessee Tech University
• Mail to: 
Oakley STEM Center
 / User Group / 155 W. 7th St.
 / Cookeville TN 38505

Don't Have Access to a Computer?

• If you don't have access to a computer for Online MarketPlace Registration, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 931-372-6573 to make arrangements.

REGISTER HERE

• STEM Center User Group Online MarketPlace

STEM Center User Group Member / Teacher Responsibilities

• ARRANGE bus transportation to and from the STEM Center for you, additional teachers and your students.
• BRING a minimum of 1 teacher per 25 students. At least 2 teachers MUST be STEM Center User Group members.
• PROVIDE lunches and beverages for each student participant and yourself (if needed).
• LEAD the hands-on activities for your students.
• MANAGE students while they are guests of the Oakley STEM Center.

Oakley STEM Center Responsibilities

• DEVELOP three activities/labs that are grade-appropriate and Tennessee Curriculum standards aligned.
• SUPPLY materials, equipment, and learning studios as appropriate for the activities.
• MAKE AVAILABLE “lab” instructions or activity sheets for each hands-on activity.
• FURNISH lab aids including visuals, hand-outs, PowerPoint presentations, and other learning aids as requested by the STEM User Group Member.
• PROVIDE STEM Center support staff to assist with the hands-on activities and technology in the learning studios.

More About EXPEDITION Field Trips

• Visit the SCHOOL GROUPS section of this website for specifics about EXPEDITION Field Trips.

Information coming soon.