Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring will expand its STEAM Bus Program's outreach visits to two underserved, rural elementary schools. The program will deliver hands-on, discovery-based science lessons to grades 3-5 to address the need for substantive, informal science education in rural elementary schools and to encourage lifelong learning of STEM subjects while supporting Tennessee state curriculum standards. At no cost to the schools, the program will increase opportunities for rural students to explore STEM concepts and provide an innovative solution to the lack of time and funding for students to visit museums during the school day. Benefits will include increasing positive attitudes towards science in these grades and awareness of STEM careers. Program success will be measured by completed bus visits to each class and active participation in lessons. Surveys of students before and after the program will measure changes in their curiosity about STEM topics, confidence in science skills, and desire to work in STEM-related fields.