Rural STEM
K-12 STEM Education
The mission of the Idaho National Laboratory’s K-12 Rural STEM program is to inspire students in rural communities to pursue education and careers in STEM fields. The initiative recognizes that rural students often lack access to STEM resources and provides engaging programs to introduce them to potential futures they may not have previously considered.
Rural STEM uses various methods, programs, and personnel to benefit students and their communities while enhancing Idaho’s future workforce. INL leaders believe STEM resources should be accessible to all, offering free learning tools for students, teachers and parents.
The program sends educators and STEM Ambassadors to present lessons that engage students and raise awareness of STEM careers and hands-on trades crucial to scientific research. These ambassadors, who are INL employee volunteers, serve as mentors, speakers and activity leaders, sharing their expertise across the state.
Science Bowl
Since 1991, INL has hosted the Eastern Idaho Science Bowl in partnership with the Department of Energy Office of Science Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists. This annual tournament encourages middle and high school students to excel in science and math and pursue careers in those fields. As part of INL’s Rural STEM Initiative, the competition also expands access and outreach to schools in rural communities, helping ensure that students from all regions have the opportunity to participate and represent Idaho at the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Invention Convention
Idaho National Laboratory partners with Idaho Invention Convention, the premier student invention program in the U.S. Northwest, to host the eastern Idaho Regional Invention Convention. Elementary and middle school students from eastern Idaho are eligible to enter their creations individually or in teams in five invention categories, while high school students can enter their inventions in the high school division. Winning projects from the regional convention are eligible for the state competition in Moscow, ID in March. State winners exhibit nationally in Dearborn, Michigan, in June. In addition to encouraging creativity and innovation, the Invent Idaho program addresses state science standards and emphasizes the hands-on application of STEM principles in students’ inventions.
My Amazing Future
Each year, INL gathers nearly 300 eighth grade students to see what their future could hold: potential careers in STEM. At a time when rural students lack the exposure their urban counterparts receive, interaction with researchers, engineers and scientists at INL inspires them to pursue a STEM education and career pathway.
Nuclear Science Trailer
INL’s STEM trailer is a mobile, interactive space with hands-on demonstrations for students to explore nuclear science concepts. INL activates this trailer at a wide range of laboratory and community events throughout the region.