4 West Tennessee counties participate in new statewide STEM program

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Stemovate program will begin to introduce fun and interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics lessons to 6th graders state wide starting next year.

While 21 counties will be participating this school year, Crockett county middle school was one of only two sites today that hosted a launch of the program.

“It is a partnership between Tennessee 4H, ORISE , Oak Ridge Innovation Institute and Ut-Batelle and this is an amazing stem pilot I am getting to do in all the sixth grade classes in Crockett county,” said Shelby Cross, Crockett County 4H Youth Development Agent.

The first of these lessons is in mechanical engineering. Here’s what they did while we were there.

“They are doing an engineering lesson where they are making a roller coaster,” said Cross.

Students and guests were challenged to use the engineering design process to build a roller coaster. Each group was given a pool noodle split in half, a roll of tape, and a marble to act as the rider.

The design had to include two hills and a loop. Going into the room, the guests were asked the question: “Are you smarter than a sixth grader?”

One of the guests shares his thought process.

“What I’d decided was to let the 6th graders run with it because they’re a lot more creative, a lot more innovative than I was,” said Dr. Keith Carver, Sr. Vice Chancellor and Senior VP UTIA.

In West Tennessee, this year’s participants are Carroll, Crockett, Henderson, and Madison counties. Within five years, the program will encompass all middle school ages state wide.

Counties in white are the participating counties

According to a news release from the Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, sixth grade was chosen because it is a key time to build curiosity and confidence in STEM.

For more Crockett County news, click here.