Welcome to the K-12 STEM 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
Tulane Science Scholars Program
Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) gives high school students the opportunity to take college-credit courses taught by Tulane faculty in the summer in science and engineering at Tulane before high school graduation. TSSP is a selective program for rising 10th through 12th grade students who have exceptional talent in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. It is a residential program and students will have the option to live on campus in a dormitory for an additional fee.
GiST (Girls in STEM at Tulane)
Tulane University’s GiST Program provides fifth through seventh grade girls with the opportunity to meet and work with women role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Workshops developed and offered by faculty and student teams will encourage and empower girls to inquire, investigate, and discover in a positive environment. Our goal is to open the doors wide and welcome young students to careers in STEM fields by encouraging creative thinking, promoting self-esteem, and increasing awareness of the opportunities that await them. Our next event is scheduled for April 18, 2020. Registration information will be available in February!
BATS (Boys At Tulane in STEM)
Tulane University’s BATS Program provides fifth through seventh grade boys with the opportunity to meet and work with both male and female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Workshops developed and offered by faculty and student teams will encourage boys to inquire, investigate, and discover in a science and engineering environment. Our goal is to open the doors wide and welcome young students to careers in STEM fields by encouraging creative thinking, promoting self-esteem, and increasing awareness of the opportunities that await them. Our next event is scheduled for March 14, 2020. Registration information will be available in February!
Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair
Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair (GNOSEF), held annually in February, 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. Tulane supports this program by providing board members, tournament organizers, judges, and volunteers. Starting in 2018, the GNOSEF is now hosted on Tulane's uptown campus. The 2020 GNOSEF is scheduled for February 10-13.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST Robotics)
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 this program by providing board members, tournament organizers, mentors and volunteers. The next LA FIRST LEGO League LA Championship is scheduled for January 18, 2020 (Sat.).
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 this program by providing board members, tournament organizers, mentors and volunteers. The FRC Bayou Regional for LA and MS teams is scheduled for March 25-28, 2020 (Wed.-Sat.).
The Perry Initiative
Inspiring Women to Be Leaders in Orthopaedic Surgery & Engineering
The Perry Initiative, a non-profit founded in 2009, encourages high school girls to enter the female-deficient fields of engineering and orthopedics by providing hands-on workshops (such as fixing fractured bones using internal rods) interspersed with presentations from medical professionals and engineering faculty. The first annual Perry Program was held at Tulane in October, 2012, with volunteer help from undergraduate and graduate students and faculty in the Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Physics and Engineering Physics Departments. The Perry Initiative is now hosted at Tulane Medical School at their downtown campus.
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. Merit Badge University is run by Dr. Cedric Walker.
