Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors focus specifically on basic and applied scientific & engineering topics that expand on materials being taught in 6 -12 grade schools.
Select Rensselaer undergraduate students in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, called STEM Ambassadors, have undergone extensive communications training to create captivating presentations and real life hands-on activities that focus on the exciting aspects of science, technology, engineering and math. Our visits demonstrate that being a scientist is not just sitting alone in a lab all day, but actually something that requires creativity and passion and engineers are problem solvers with the knowledge and creativity to improve our happiness, safety and health in this world.
BOCES ID
277
For
Middle school, High school
Categories
Storytelling
Curriculum
Science
Costs
$5500 per day long visit.
Dates Available
General availability varies slightly.
Based on Fall and Spring RPI Semesters. (Sept – November & mid-January – April ).
Based on student availability.
Contact venerj2@rpi.edu for specific dates of availability.
Program Theme
The Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors are an assembly of highly motivated undergraduate students focused on inspiring a younger audience to explore the role of science and engineering in society.
Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors focus specifically on basic and applied scientific & engineering topics that expand on materials being taught in 6 -12 grade schools.
Select Rensselaer undergraduate students in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, called STEM Ambassadors, have undergone extensive communications training to create captivating presentations and real life hands-on activities that focus on the exciting aspects of science, technology, engineering and math. Our visits demonstrate that being a scientist is not just sitting alone in a lab all day, but actually something that requires creativity and passion and engineers are problem solvers with the knowledge and creativity to improve our happiness, safety and health in this world.
Program Description
A Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors school visit includes bringing anywhere from two to five teams of RPI undergraduates to spend a day within your middle or high school to present a science and engineering topic using an award winning style of presentation. Each presentation provides a complimentary hands-on activity approved by technical mentors. STEM topics are carefully selected so that concepts introduced within the presentation are directly aligned to 6 -12 grades science, technology; engineering and math (STEM) coursework. If topic content allows, presentations are also made age appropriate for grades 3-5 on request. This approach helps to define the relevance between the classroom learning and real world application of science and engineering concepts. Each team is prepared to present to multiple STEM related classrooms throughout the day so that by the end of the day we have introduced different engineering and science fields to potentially hundreds of students. A panel of STEM Ambassadors can also be included in a school visit whereby your middle and high school students have the opportunity to ask our Ambassadors,(their peers), specific questions concerning pre-college academic decisions, career options and college life just to name a few.
WHAT DOES A VISIT LOOK LIKE ?
A typical site visit begins with four to five teams of Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors arriving at your school about an hour before the students’ first period or first scheduled presentation. You select which classes from your master schedule will feature our presentations/activities. Each team of SA’s includes 2-3 Rensselaer student mentors that will set up in a designated classroom for the duration of the day. We work best in science classrooms, libraries, or other classrooms equipped with a projector, screen and plenty of workspace. Teams set up their presentations and activities in four to five different classrooms. Students cycle in and out of 40 – 80 minute sessions as they progress through their normal day. Our typical day includes the STEM Ambassador teams presenting to approximately five classes therefore a visit exposes an average of 300 + students per visit. We also welcome an opportunity to participate in a culminating panel discussion whereby multiple science and engineering disciplines are represented. Multiple day visits are possible upon request.
HOW SOON DO WE START PLANNING?
Our STEM Ambassadors develop their schedules in September and January. This is when we like to confirm dates with you. About a month or two prior to a visit we like to discuss the logistics that work best to get our Ambassadors into your school. Designating a teacher as a point person for us is often a successful way of meeting your goals. Please contact us to get started or learn more about our Rensselaer STEM Ambassadors. It is sure to be an inspiring day.
Website
Phone
(518) 276-3960
Address
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th St
Troy, NY 12180
Associated Acts/Performances