K-12 Computer Science Education Program

K-12 STEM Education

Program Highlights

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) stands out as a science and technology resource serving as the nation’s command center for advanced nuclear energy research, development, demonstration and deployment.

Supercomputing

INL’s high-performance computing resources provide scientific-computing capabilities for advanced modeling and simulation efforts, including multiscale, multiphysics performance analysis of nuclear fuel, materials in harsh environments and light-water and advanced nuclear reactors.

Digital Engineering

INL launched a Digital Engineering program in 2018 to support new reactor projects that predict reactor performance and design issues early in the process, minimizing cascading risk.

Teaching in the age of AI: Tools, Applications and Safety Measures 

This hands-on workshop equips educators with the knowledge and confidence to integrate AI into their teaching practice. Participants will explore practical tools, real-world classroom applications, and essential safety and ethics guidelines. The session also covers how to introduce AI to students in an age-appropriate and responsible way fostering curiosity while emphasizing digital citizenship and academic integrity. From lesson planning to student engagement, teachers will learn how to use AI effectively while fostering responsible use among students.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

INL’s vision is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure. To support our research missions, we have five goals:

  1. Methods: Use AI/ML to bridge research gaps.
  2. Data: Use INL’s unique data sources and expertise to leverage AI/ML for new insights.
  3. Tools: Innovate an agile AI/ML computing infrastructure.
  4. People: Develop and mature researchers’ AI/ML capabilities.
  5. Security: Ensure trustworthy AI/ML that is explainable to end users and decision makers.

K-12 Programs in Computer Science Education

Digital Discovery Night: Each May, INL hosts an exciting event that immerses K-12 students and their families in the fascinating world of computer science and showcases INL’s cutting-edge research. This event offers hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, AI, modeling simulations, data science, cybersecurity and more, making learning both fun and engaging.

Computer Science Education Week: INL celebrates Computer Science Education Week in December when we host robotic activities, coding activities, guest lectures and more for K-12 students. We also support the global initiative, Hour of Code, during this week.

K-12 STEM education team member presenting during Computer Science Education Week.
K-12 STEM education team member assists student participating in Hour of Code.

Robotics

  • Grants: We provide grants for multiple robotics competitions, such as First Robotics and VEX Robotics, and mentor students who participate in these competitions.
  • First Lego League: We’re proud to co-host the FIRST LEGO League competition in Idaho Falls which is an exciting event that inspires the next generation of innovators through hands-on robotics, teamwork, and STEM exploration. This event brings together students, mentors, and parents to celebrate creativity and problem-solving. Together, we’re helping young minds build confidence, curiosity, and a passion for STEM.

Let’s Code Together: As part of INL’s Coding Coalition, INL team members visit various schools to educate K-12 students in different coding languages through hands-on practice sessions. This initiative helps students build confidence in computer programming and inspires them to explore STEM fields.

Innovate with AI: This exciting program introduces students from elementary to high school to the fascinating world of AI, featuring hands-on experiments that bring various AI applications to life.

Contact Information

Pooja Pawar

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Idaho National Laboratory