K-12 Educational Programs
ORNL/Appalachian Regional
Commission Summer Science Honors Academy
Over the past 15 years, Oak
Ridge National Laboratory and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
have provided a two-week summer research experience for ARC students
and teachers hosted by ORNL's research divisions. This program allows
outstanding students from the thirteen-state ARC region to participate
in ongoing laboratory research projects applying the tools and methods
used at ORNL in science, mathematics and technology. The purpose of
the Academy is to encourage high school students to consider careers
in science and mathematics.
Students (seniors or graduating
seniors) and teachers are selected by ARC state representatives. Student
selection criteria include academic records, teacher recommendations,
and a submission of letter of interest. Approximately 40 students and
10 teachers participate in the Academy annually.
For further information,
contact Brenda Hackworth at 241-7249 or email hackworthbt@ornl.gov.
Partnership with the American Museum of Science and Energy
ORNL works with the American Museum of Science and Energy
to offer several educational programs, including summer day camps, the Annual Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
and other activities for Kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grades and sixth through twelfth grades.
For more information, see AMSE's Outreach Website.
Support for area high school science labs
UT-Battelle, which manages ORNL for the Department of Energy, has made a series of legacy
investments in the surrounding community as part of its corporate citizenship efforts. Science
education has been a focus of those investments.
Since 2000, UT-Battelle has made a series of $10,000 gifts to Tennessee high schools
for the enhancement and upgrading of science classrooms and laboratories. Schools may use the
gifts to purchase equipment at their discretion, as long as it is for a science-based subject.
Many schools (as of July 2006 more than 30 schools have participated in the program) have used
the funds to purchase equipment, supplies and study aids for their science labs. In one instance,
a rural high school's gift spurred the local school system to hire a science instructor.
For further information, contact Brenda Hackworth
at 865/241-7249 or email hackworthbt@ornl.gov.
Educational Tours
Special-guided, general orientation, and other "customized" tours are offered
primarily for educational groups who are interested in learning more about the history, history,
current missions, and research and development at ORNL. Advance registration is required, and
participation is limited to U.S. citizens. Other restrictions apply as well. For more information about the tour programs, contact
Fred Strohl (strohlhf@ornl.gov,
865-574-4165).
Speaker's Bureau
ORNL staff members are called upon frequently to
discuss their work and its importance to the nation. These speaking engagements include talks in
school classrooms, assemblies and career fairs. The Laboratory also provides a volunteer base for
judges and advisors for local and regional science fairs and science-based activities. ORNL's Speakers' Bureau serves as a focal
point for arrangements between educational institutions seeking speakers and Laboratory staff
members who have volunteered their services within the limits of available time and program
commitments. For further information,
contact Fred Strohl at 865/574-4165 or email strohlhf@ornl.gov.
Other K-12 science education initiatives that receive support from UT-Battelle and
ORNL include