STEM Explorations

Planning

The CMSE staff members appreciate as much advance notice as possible. We recommend requesting your visit at least 1 month in advance to organize and plan a successful exploration. Suggested timing is provided below.

Steps to plan a successful STEM Exploration:

Step One: (at least 6-8 weeks prior) Determine potential dates, timing, and goals for your day. (You will need this information before step two.)

Step Two: (6 weeks prior) Submit a STEM Exploration Reservation Request Form. After completing the reservation request, you will receive an email outlining your submission.

Step Three: (4-6 weeks prior) After submitting the reservation request form, allow the CMSE at least two weeks to compile and confirm necessary logistics. During these two weeks, a CMSE staff member may reach out to you to clarify some information – please be attentive to the contact information you provided on the form.

Step Four: (2-4 weeks prior) After logistics are finalized, you will receive an email confirming your reservation. The email will also request necessary documents, such as: photo release forms, student roster(s), principal agreement (if applicable), etc. Please note: this is not an exhaustive list. These documents are traditionally requested to be submitted at least two weeks prior to the STEM Exploration.

Step Five: (at least 1 week prior) After the requested documents are submitted, you will receive a complete and detailed schedule for the day that identifies: parking, station rotation timings, maps, etc.

Step Six: Get excited for an educational, fun-filled day of STEM!

The associated costs for each STEM Exploration is:

Event Fee – $150 is assessed per group. Financial Assistance may be available, but will be based on available funds and needs of school/group. If interested in applying, please email cmsek12stem@go.olemiss.edu.

Activity Fee – $5 is assessed per participating student. This fee covers the cost of instructional and kit materials used during activities. 

For Example – The total cost for a first grade STEM Exploration for 50 students would be:

Event Fee + (Activity Fee * # of students) = Total Cost

$150 + ($5 * 50 students) = $400 which equates to approx. $8.00/student

Please keep in mind that groups will need to budget for transportation, lunches (if applicable), and any planned activity off campus (i.e., movie, bowling, etc.).

There are many options available for lunch. Here are a list of suggestions of what other groups/schools have done in the past:

On-campus dining services (The CMSE can assist with organizing on-campus lunch through dining services.) 

Picnic in the grove with pizza or sack lunches

Local restaurant options

Explorations are typically scheduled on weekdays and usually begin at 9:00AM and conclude by 2:00PM. However, these times can be adjusted to fit the group’s specific scheduling needs.

Sample Schedule:

• Arrive at the University of Mississippi: 8:30AM
• Introduction and Welcome: 8:30AM-8:50AM
• Station Rotation 1: 8:55AM – 9:25AM
• Station Rotation 2: 9:30AM – 10:00AM
• Station Rotation 3: 10:05AM – 10:35AM
• Wrap Up: 10:40AM – 10:55AM
• Lunch: 11:00AM – 12:00PM
• Optional Campus Tour: 12:00PM – 12:30PM
• Depart: 12:30PM

Although there are some limitations to STEM Explorations, we try our best to accommodate as many students as possible.

Each exploration will bring its own limitations. After completing the reservation request form, each individual request will be considered and further communication will take place via email.