The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) at the University of Mississippi is proud to offer field trip experiences for students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. A typical STEM Exploration consists of hands-on activities relevant to current grade-level curriculum requirements and are designed to build on student knowledge of subject matter. Each activity typically last 30 minutes – making an entire STEM Exploration approximately 3 hours (depending on the number of activities, 3 or 4). A sample schedule can be seen below.
Sample Schedule:
Arrive at the University of Mississippi: 8:30AM
Introduction and Welcome: 8:30-8:50AM
Station Rotation 1: 8:55 – 9:25AM
Station Rotation 2: 9:30 – 10:00AM
Station Rotation 3: 10:05 – 10:35AM
Wrap Up: 10:40 – 10:55AM
Lunch: 11:00 – 12:00PM
Optional Campus Tour: 12:00 – 12:30PM
Depart: 12:30PM
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.
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 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 by completing the form on the tab labeled reservation request. 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!
Please click here to request a reservation for the 2023-2024 school year.
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
The University of Mississippi
1111 Jackson Avenue W., Suite Q
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-6621
Fax: (662) 915-1762
Email: cmsek12stem@go.olemiss.edu