i3 G2ROW STEM Program at TSU!

G2ROW STEM is designed to increase my students interest and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

One of the key elements in this endeavor is the relationship with Tennessee State University and Dr. Thomas W. Broyles' commitment to instilling a love for STEM in middle schoolers. He also wants our students to be successful and knows that exposure to a university setting and its leaders must happen now.

Dr. J. Whitlock, i3 STEM Lead Coach, is the one who knocks on all doors around the state of Tennessee, guaranteeing high quality partners give access to real life STEM experiences.

Yes, this program - in the words of i3 STEM Grant Coordinator - Deanna Privette - is very successful because "the teachers in the program are making it happen".

We try hard and witnessing parental commitment reaffirms our purposes.

Today, we witnessed cognitive development, increased critical thinking, communication between students, faculty and the community (neighborhood, schools, society), collaboration between their peers and teacher guides. Yes, your children have been developing these skills since September - during the time they spend with us 4 hours a week, a Saturday a month and a free summer camp that enriches and promotes academic quality in unison, along with fun.

Your presence today, parents and custodians, fills us with great satisfaction. Especially, being present in the first stage, prior to the summit day on April 9, when projects will be presented with pride and... I hope that you can also accompany us that day and be proud of the intellectual development of your child.

My colleagues, and our after school program, thank you for allowing us to be an integral part of education at a higher level, to ensure a fulfilling future for your children.

These projects (Oliver Middle) will be presented at the STEM Expo at MTSU (April 9). They all received excellent feedback today at TSU.

How different bacteria affect the human body?

How can Bottle Rockets help NASA launch rockets into space?

Gene mutations and how they change

How can aquatic speakers save wildlife?

Globular clusters in the Milky Way

I cannot forget to highlight the fact we are a cluster. We are a team. These middle schools in Metro Nashville are also a part of this empowering project.

Strattford, Madison, Goodletsville, Croft, McMurray and Litton and their teachers are working really hard to forge a path of success for their students!

We'll all meet again on April 9 at the STEM Expo - MTSU!!

NOW: Let's witness the parents confronted with a STEM hands on activity.

Fomenting team work and being a part of a project is key for our STEMgineers to succeed in future experiences.

The best way to achieve this is to present a seemingly easy challenge...

In this instance Dr. Broyle from TSU provided a variety of tools to solve a very simple final step (in 4-5 steps) -- placing a bandaid on a specific spot - without touching it.

The Rube Goldberg machine presented the perfect opportunity to test young and old minds' willingness to create, have fun, learn patience, improve communication and put in practice the principles of engineering. Yes, those skills important enough that will help deal, handle and survive many other situations life will present.