ORNL connects K–12 students and educators with scientists, engineers, and real-world research through engaging STEM outreach experiences. Opportunities include laboratory tours, school events, classroom visits, interactive science experiences, and special STEM programs. Explore the opportunities below to bring ORNL science into your classroom or school, visit the laboratory, or connect students with STEM professionals and career pathways.
Engage with Us
Tours
High school students and other eligible groups can experience Oak Ridge National Laboratory through guided tours that provide a firsthand look at world-class research and STEM careers. Participants have opportunities to learn about ORNL research, visit laboratory facilities, and discover how scientists and engineers are addressing real-world challenges.
Tours are available by request for high school-age and older groups. Most facilities can accommodate groups of up to 25 participants. Larger groups may be accommodated when transportation arrangements allow the group to be divided among multiple buses.
Traveling Science Fair
The ORNL Traveling Science Fair brings interactive STEM experiences directly to communities and events. Through carnival-style mobile exhibits, participants explore ORNL research and discover the range of careers that contribute to a national laboratory.
Designed for participants of all ages, the Traveling Science Fair provides opportunities to interact with scientists and explore how ORNL research addresses real-world challenges.
School Events
Bring ORNL scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals to your school through STEM nights, career fairs, and other educational events. ORNL participants share their expertise, introduce students to the variety of people, skills, and career pathways involved in science and technology.
Schools interested in requesting ORNL participation can submit an event request for consideration.
Bring ORNL Into Your Classroom
Classroom Visits
Connect K–12 students with ORNL research staff through virtual or in-person classroom visits. Students learn directly from STEM professionals, ask questions about their work, and explore connections between classroom learning, ORNL research, and future STEM careers.
Available topics include biology, plant science, supercomputing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, astrophysics and astronomy, nuclear science, robotics, engineering, chemistry, physics, 3D printing, energy storage, and what it’s like to work as a scientist. Presentations can be tailored to complement your class’s area of study.
Hour of AI
Each December, ORNL participates in Hour of Code by connecting students with scientists and STEM professionals for introductory computer science experiences. ORNL volunteers visit participating classrooms in person or virtually, share how computing is used in their work, and help students complete beginner-friendly coding activities.
Since 2017, the program has introduced thousands of students to computer science while helping participants build problem-solving skills and explore computing careers.
Have questions? Contact the ORNL K–12 Education team at [email protected].