STEM Outreach

Step inside one of the nation’s premier research facilities with a guided tour of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Tours provide students the opportunity to see world-class research up close, meet scientists and engineers, and learn how STEM shapes our future. Available by request, tours showcase the exciting careers and discoveries happening at ORNL every day. Please note that our tours are open to high school or older aged groups. Additionally, most facilities limit tours to groups of 25 or less. We can accommodate larger groups, but only if you are able to bring multiple buses. To express interest in a tour of ORNL, please fill out the below form.

Experience science at a whole new level as Oak Ridge National Laboratory brings STEM to students through the Traveling Science Fair! The ORNL Science Fair invites guests of all ages to learn more about science and the importance of the ORNL research directly from scientists as they tour carnival-style, interactive mobile exhibits that describe various fields of research and areas of future career opportunities.
 

Bring ORNL to your school through engaging outreach events that showcase science in action. Our researchers and staff participate in STEM nights, career fairs, and other school programs to share their expertise and inspire curiosity. These events connect students directly with professionals who are using science and technology to solve real-world challenges. To request ORNL participation in a school event, please fill out the request form below.
 

ORNL is excited to offer Kindergarten-12th grade student groups the opportunity to learn from our scientific research staff through virtual or in-person classroom visits. Virtual visits are conducted on Zoom or other teleconferencing platforms and allow students to participate on individual devices or as a whole group. Topics include biology, plant science, a day in the life of a scientist, supercomputing, AI, machine learning, astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear science, robotics, engineering, chemistry, physics, 3D printing, and energy storage. Presentations can be tailored to your class’s area of study. If you’d like a scientist to visit your classroom in person or virtually, please fill out the request form below.
 

Stay connected with ORNL Education by subscribing to our K–12 Newsletter! Each issue highlights upcoming events, new opportunities, and spotlights on the exciting ways ORNL is engaging with students and teachers. Don’t miss your chance to get the latest STEM resources and program updates delivered right to your inbox. View past editions of the newsletter below.
 

ORNL and Team UT-Battelle are excited to join national laboratories across the country in supporting the global Hour of Code initiative. During this week-long event, ORNL volunteers visit classrooms across the region, either in person or virtually, to inspire students and assist teachers as they explore fun, beginner-friendly coding activities. Each visit begins with a scientist sharing their work at ORNL, followed by hands-on coding experiences that build problem-solving skills and spark creativity. Since 2017, ORNL volunteers have introduced thousands of students to the power of computer science through Hour of Code, helping to make coding accessible, exciting, and empowering for all learners.