CMSE STEM Explorations (PreK-8)

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:

1. (at least 6-8 weeks prior) Determine potential dates, timing, and goals for your day. (You will need this information before step two.)
2. (6 weeks prior) Submit a STEM Exploration Reservation Request Form. After completing the reservation request, you will receive an email outlining your submission.
3. (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.
4. (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.
5. (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.
6. 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.).

The CMSE staff members appreciate as much advance notice as possible. We recommend booking your visit at least 1 month in advance to organize and plan a successful exploration.

For suggested planning timeline see "How do I book a STEM Exploration (field trip)?" above.

Unfortunately, the CMSE does not offer STEM Explorations on weekends.

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

Buses may drop students off on-campus but must park off campus in a designated lot. Buses are not required to have parking passes. Vans and vehicles may park on campus, but must obtain a visitor’s parking pass. Daily visitor parking passes ($5/vehicle) may be purchased in advance.

Purchase Visitor Parking Pass

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:

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.