STEM Experiences Division
INSPIRING INTEREST IN STEM EDUCATION ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
MS FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Program
FIRST Tech Challenge teams design, build, and program robots to compete for awards (performance and outreach-based) on a 12′ X 12′ field, in an alliance format, against other teams. Teams, including coaches, mentors, and students, develop strategies and build robots based from a reusable metal platform powered by Android technology, on sound engineering principles.
Mobile Planetarium Program
The Mobile Planetarium Program is an innovative and unique opportunity provided by the CMSE. The best part is that this amazing experience happens without students ever having to leave school! The program begins with fun learning activities provided to teachers to complete with their students in their classroom. For the second part of the program, the CMSE will bring the portable planetarium to the requesting school for sessions of stargazing.
STEM Experts (K-12)
The CMSE can help bring STEM faculty and/or ambassadors to your classroom for engaging lessons, dynamic demonstrations, and intriguing lectures. The CMSE serves as a liaison between the STEM faculty member and the teacher.
STEM Explorations (K-8)
The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) offers K-8 teachers an easy and convenient way for students to experience and explore the STEM fields! During a STEM Exploration, students travel to the University of Mississippi and are broken into groups to participate in 3 or 4 station rotations. The stations include hands-on activities designed around current grade-level curriculum and are specifically rich in the elementary-level science content. Students will have the opportunity to learn by asking questions, observing demonstrations, completing experiments, and engaging in exciting group projects.
STEM Excursions (7-12)
The CMSE invites teachers to plan a STEM Excursion field trip to Ole Miss! These field trips to the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS can provide lasting impressions and valuable learning experiences. The CMSE will help teachers fill the day with wonderful STEM opportunities while getting the most from the visit to campus.
Mississippi Girls State Chess Championship
The Mississippi Girls State Chess Championship is a United States Chess National Qualifying Event for the National Girls Tournament of Champions (NGTOC) and the 16th Annual Susan Polgar Foundation (SPF) Girls’ Invitational.
This championship is hosted by the Mississippi Chess Association in partnership with the Center for Mathematics and Science Education and the Division of Outreach – Pre-College Programs at the University of Mississippi.
MATHCOUNTS® Competition
The MATHCOUNTS® Competition Program is a nationally recognized program designed to excite and challenge middle school students (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) through fun and challenging levels of mathematics competition.
The CMSE hosts the Northeast, Northwest, Tombigbee, and Delta Chapter Competitions. The winners at the chapter competition level will move on to compete at the Mississippi MATHCOUNTS® Competition.
Catapult Competition
The Catapult Competition is a competition that allows students and teachers of grades 7th-12th to participate in exciting science and engineering events. Each team of four students will design and construct a catapult that meets the specified criteria and will be given the opportunity to launch tennis balls during different challenges.