The goals of the SITES-M/MUREP program are to:

• Inspire a more diverse student population to pursue careers in STEM-related fields;
• Engage students, parents/adult family members and teachers by immersing them in STEM activities involving emerging technologies and high-tech applications; and
• Educate students utilizing rigorous STEM curricula, designed and implemented by NASA, and utilizing effective evidence-based strategies employed by leading STEM professionals and agencies.

The key components of our program are:

1.  First-Hand Learning Experiences

Students engage in first-hand learning experiences that are aligned to the national math, science, engineering, and technology standards and NASA mission directorates.  First-hand learning experiences include hands-on explorations, place-based investigations, computer-based studies, and problem-based learning.

2.  Aerospace Education Laboratory (AEL)

The AEL is an electronically enhanced, computerized laboratory that puts state-of-the-art technology at the fingertips of NASA MUREP middle- and high-school aged students. Each computerized research station provides students with real world challenges relative to both an aeronautics and reduced-gravity research scenario.  Examples of the real aerospace hardware and software contained in the AEL include an Advanced Flight Simulator (AFS); wind tunnel, drones, Little Bits Space Kits, Lego Mindstorms, Oculus Glasses, Osmo Coding, Vex Robotics Kits, zSpace, and NASA interactive software.

3. Family Empowerment Sessions     

Family empowerment sessions provide parents and other family members with training on effective STEM strategies, emerging technologies, and access to STEM and NASA resources that will assist them in effectively working with their children. Family Empowerment Sessions are implemented through a series of activities, such as the Family Café, Family Workshops, Family Nights, and Family STEM Days.

4. STEM Professional Development  

The newest of thinking in professional development is provided to STEM instructional staff in order to support effective delivery of STEM content.  The professional development training focuses on standards-based instruction, innovative instructional strategies, and emerging technologies.  Instructional staff learn new instructional strategies through on-line professional development sessions, guest speakers, workshops, and the proposed STEM Online Learning Resource Center. 

5. STEM Community Outreach 

The STEM community outreach is designed to promote STEM education and career awareness for elementary and middle school students in Davidson and surrounding counties.  The TSU MUREP project partners with university faculty, staff, students, educators, business partners, churches, and other non-profit organizations to provide astronomy education, first-place learning experiences, hands-on thematic STEM learning experiences, project-based learning, STEM Challenges, Robotic Competitions, Technology Challenges, Virtual Reality Experiences, and field trips.