UT-ORII, Tennessee 4-H, ORISE and UT-Battelle partner to bring STEM activities to 6,000 sixth graders
Cookeville, Tenn. — Regional leaders joined sixth graders at Algood Middle School today to launch STEMOVATE: Powering Tennessee’s Future Innovators, a new program delivering hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities to classrooms in 22 counties across Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is partnering with Tennessee 4-H, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and UT-Battelle, operating contractor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the Department of Energy, to make STEMOVATE available to more than 6,000 sixth-grade students this school year.
STEMOVATE lessons — focused on nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, engineering design and the effects of non-native species — are aligned with Tennessee academic standards and emphasize workforce areas critical to Tennessee and the nation. Plans are underway to expand the program to sixth graders in Tennessee’s 95 counties in 2026–27 and to reach seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms by 2030.
At today’s kickoff, guests joined students in taking on the role of a junior nuclear scientist through the lesson “Harnessing the Power of Nuclear Energy.” Nuclear energy is a growing focus area for Tennessee, which already receives most of its electricity from nuclear power and is incentivizing new nuclear-related companies to join the more than 100 already operating in the state.
“STEMOVATE gives middle school students a chance to explore STEM in a fun way. Through these lessons, students will practice teamwork, solve real-world problems and discover that STEM can be exciting — and for some, it could even spark interest in future STEM careers,” said David Sholl, executive director of UT-ORII.
The program was piloted last year with 4-H in Crockett and Overton counties. Lessons learned from that pilot helped shape this year’s expansion to 22 counties: Cannon, Carroll, Claiborne, Cocke, Coffee, Crockett, DeKalb, Hamilton, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Henderson, Houston, Lawrence, Madison, Morgan, Overton, Putnam, Rhea, Scott, Warren and Wayne. Some homeschool students are also participating through 4-H.
“By bringing high-quality STEM learning experiences to middle school students in communities across our state, we’re opening doors of opportunity and inspiring the innovators Tennessee needs for the future,” said Randy Boyd, president of the University of Tennessee System.
Why Middle School?
Middle school is the perfect time to ignite curiosity, spark problem-solving and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
“Engaging with students early is critical to sparking an interest in science and building the future STEM workforce,” said Stephen Streiffer, director of ORNL and president and CEO of UT-Battelle. “The STEMOVATE program will be a creative way to reach students and their teachers where they are, introducing them to the fascinating questions scientists are trying to answer today.”
Strong 4-H School Partnerships and ORISE Support Fuel STEMOVATE’s Statewide Impact
“STEMOVATE builds on Tennessee 4-H’s strong connections with schools across the state,” said Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. “I’m thrilled that our 4-H agents serve such an integral role in a program that is helping students across Tennessee see themselves as the next generation of problem solvers.”
Participating 4-H agents already collaborate closely with middle school teachers in their counties, typically providing educational programming six or seven times a year. Through STEMOVATE, these agents receive hands-on training, four complete lesson plans, a full set of materials and a supply wagon to make traveling between schools easier.
If participants need assistance during the school year, ORISE educators — who developed the lessons — are available by phone or email.
“ORISE is excited to partner with this unique collaboration and play a critical role in STEMOVATE,” said Dr. Keri Cagle, director of ORISE. “The ORISE team of educators is committed to ensuring every 4-H agent and teacher involved has the resources, training and assistance they need to successfully implement STEMOVATE in their community.”
An online STEMOVATE site also allows participants to share feedback and best practices, helping to continuously strengthen and refine the program.
