STEM Center for Outreach, Research & Education (STEM CORE)
STEM CORE's mission is to integrate and deepen the impact of STEM education, outreach and research at Texas Tech University and beyond.
Texas Tech University
Established: 2013
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/stem/
Profile submitted by STEM CORE
Vision and Goals
STEM CORE will be a nationally-recognized resources that performs and facilitates collaborative and interdisciplinary activities in STEM education, outreach, and research.
The scope for STEM CORE is derived from its vision and mission in the realms of STEM education, outreach, and research. All three are weighted equally within the scope of STEM CORE, and includes training and professional development. The activities of STEM CORE are in service to and in collaboration with our stakeholders. Stakeholders include but are not limited to Texas Tech University faculty, staff, and administrators, K-12 educators, and informal science community partners.
Although STEM CORE aims to have a role at the national level in STEM issues, the primary mission of STEM CORE is locally based, that is, to improve STEM outreach, research, and education at Texas Tech University and surrounding communities. STEM CORE acts to facilitate interaction, community, and knowledge development in outreach, research, and educational activities among stakeholders.
Center/Program Structure
STEM CORE is housed under the Office of the Provost. STEM CORE is comprised of a part-time faculty Director, 6 Associate Directors representing numerous colleges, 1 full time staff member and several student assistants.
Description of Programming
STEM CORE is primarily a faculty-based resource helping faculty develop proposals and outreach programs, helping them integrate their research, outreach and educational opportunities. Below are some of the programs and resources STEM CORE offers.
STEMinars: STEMinars serve as an opportunity for TTU faculty and staff to join together in the spirit of collaboration and multidisciplinary exploration.
Mathematics Education and Teaching Seminar:The TTU Mathematics Education & Teaching Seminar is open to all TTU students, faculty, and staff interested in the practice of teaching mathematics or the training of future mathematics teachers. K-12 teachers from the Lubbock area are also welcome to attend the seminar.
Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) Seminar: Discipline-based Education Research (DBER) is discipline-specific research on students' understanding of concepts, their problem solving skills, cognitive skills, learning difficulties and attitudes towards learning. It is grounded in strong scientific content knowledge combined with knowledge of teaching and learning theory. The results of the research can be used for the development of curricula, materials or instructional techniques that will improve teaching and learning.
STEM CORE Outreach Programs: STEM-CORE is a resource for faculty and administrators rather than an initiator of specific programs. However, STEM CORE hosts 2 hallmark programs annually, that are aimed at introducing middle school students to STEM fields, careers and disciplines. Tech Savvy is a one-day conference targeting middle school girls, their parents and teachers. The TTU/LISD Middle School STEM Challenge is a week-long Challenge competition completed by teams of local middle school students.
Research/Educational Program Consultation:During the proposal writing phase, a member (or members) of the Education Committee can meet to consult on proposed STEM education or outreach activities.
Successes and Impacts
STEM CORE has over 100 faculty member collaborations in disciplines across campus. Over the last 5 years, over 1,000 middle school students, parents and teachers have been directly impacted by our 2 outreach programs. In the last 3 years, we have lead over 50 grant submissions and 8 of them have been funded.
Elements Contributing to Success
Contributing to STEM CORE's success is the high amount of faculty participation and interest across campus, and the involvement of STEM faculty across disciplines. Transitioning from reporting to six college deans to the Provost has allowed flexibility in structure, institutional buy-in and annual financial support.