All Outreach Programs

Below is an alphabetical list of the programs currently being offered by the College of Sciences and Mathematics for kindergarten through high school students, kindergarten through high school teachers, and the community. Please click on the program titles for more information.

Programs offered by the COSAM Outreach Office

AMP'd (Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge) - Students will spend a Saturday on Auburn's campus using their mathematical and problem solving skills to recover missing puzzle pieces in order to solve a crime!

AMSTI (Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative) - The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) is the Alabama Department of Education’s initiative to improve math and science teaching statewide.  AMSTI at Auburn University is a comprehensive K-12 science and math systemic educational transformation program that impacts thousands of teachers and students in east Alabama.  Its mission is to provide all students in grades K-12 with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the workforce and/or postsecondary studies.  Due to the efforts of other science and math outreach programs, Auburn University was named an AMSTI site beginning in Fall 2006. 

Arboretum Days - Hosted by the Donald E. Davis Arboretum at Auburn University, Arboretum Days, is a Saturday program designed especially for children in grades K-5 held on select Saturdays in the fall and spring.  Students who attend are actively engaged in activities that allow them to learn more about the outdoors and appreciate the Arboretum as a special resource.  For more information, call 334-844-5770 or go to www.auburn.edu/arboretum.

AU Explore -  AU Explore is an annual science and math festival offered free to 5th-8th grade students and their teachers. Featured activities include a variety of live large-scale science demo shows, including the Birds of Prey Show hosted by the Southeastern Raptor Center, and the Wet and Wild Science Show hosted by the AU Science in Motion program specialists. In addition, AU faculty and students offer dozens of hands-on mini-courses called "Science Fun Shops" in which participants dissect sheep eyes, explore buried treasure, find their house using Google Earth, and isolate their own DNA to take home in a bottle! Some of the most fascinating experiences for students occur at the Science EXPO where they handle live animals, learn how to pan for real gold, visit "Charlie, the two-headed goat", and play a Wii game that teaches them about the field of plasma physics. There really is something that will peak the interest of every child...and every teacher!

BEST Robotics - (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) - BEST is a dynamic community-based program that aims to inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and mathematics through participation in a sports-like science and engineering-based robotics competition.  Auburn University is the International Headquarters of BEST Robotics, Inc., a non-profit, all volunteer organization that impacts over 700 schools (13,000 students) in 16 states and Canada.  BEST-a partnership between K-12, higher education, and industry- is the second largest educational robotics program in the nation and the only program of its type that is FREE to schools, reducing the barrier of participation for rural and inner-city schools.  This hands-on, interdisciplinary Project Based Learning (PBL) approach teaches students to analyze and solve real-world problems utilizing the Engineering Design Process while at the same time teaching technical writing, verbal communication skills, computer programming, web page and video design, CAD design skills, and 3-D animation design-skills sought by universities in their student recruits and industry in their employees. 

War Eagle BEST - Co-hosted by the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, War Eagle BEST challenges 25 schools in East-central Alabama to design, build, and program a robot from a kit of raw materials through implementation of the Engineering Design Process. The six-week-long program culminates in a one-day, sports-like competition hosted at Auburn University.

Tennessee Valley BEST - Co-produced by AU’s College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in partnership with Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama, Tennessee Valley BEST hosts 22 teams from 11 counties across north Alabama.

The South’s BEST - The South’s BEST is a regional championship event for the top 50 teams representing eight states and twelve BEST competition sites east of the Mississippi River.  The 3-day event attracts 3,500 visitors to Auburn’s campus each fall.

Daugters and Mothers Exploring Science (D.A.M.E.S) - Sponsored by the Society of Women in Science and Mathematics, D.A.M.E.S. is a one day mini-conference aimed at increasing the number of women in the fields of science and mathematics. D.A.M.E.S. is a great opportunity for both mothers and their middle school daughters (grades 6-8) to explore the many wonders of science at Auburn University.  This event includes 2-3 hands-on courses taught by female students, faculty, and women from industry followed by a luncheon and keynote speaker.

Greater East Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GEARSEF) - GEARSEF is a regional affiliate fair of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.  ISEF, the premiere science competition in the world, annually provides a forum for millions of students from over 50 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research.  GEARSEF hosts students from 23 counties in central and southeast Alabama. The top students in each category and division earn the chance to compete at the Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair. Several exceptional high school students from GEARSEF advance to the Intel ISEF in May and will compete against the top 1500 students in the world for nearly $4 million in prizes and scholarships.

Getting Under The Surface (G.U.T.S.) - GUTS is a monthly evening program for 1st-8th grade students and their parents or grandparents.  Each evening session includes dessert followed by a 90-minute science activity featuring a “Getting Under the Surface” theme designed to demystify the science of topics ranging from DNA to creatures in the deep sea to how batteries work.  The mission of GUTS is to enhance science literacy and engagement within our community by providing relevant science activities to students and their parents.  Each year GUTS culminates at a spring “Backyard Science Bash”; a family-friendly event that includes an outdoor picnic followed by a science-themed demonstration show featuring our outstanding faculty and students.

Kidz-sized Science - Kidz-sized science is a monthly program for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.  This Auburn University hosted event, takes place each month occurs at the Village Mall in Auburn.  Each month our early educator focuses on a seasonal/thematic topic.  During their time kids will be engaged in a good-book, explore the science behind a theme, and create a take-home project.

Parents' Night Out - Parents’ Night Out occurs on select Friday or Saturday evenings throughout the year.  Parents can have an evening to themselves and peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe, secure, and fun environment.  Children ages 6-12 are entertained from 6:00-9:00pm while being exposed to the enjoyable side of science through hands-on science activities, games, and more.  Children will have the opportunity to explore the world of engineering by programming LEGO robots, dip into the art of chemistry by creating chromatography projects, and exercise their problem solving abilities through minds-on games, puzzles, and more!  A kid-friendly dinner is included so kids should arrive hungry for food and fun!

Science in Motion - Imagine if every public high school had thousands of dollars worth of high-tech equipment to educate their students.  Imagine still that these same high schools had teachers who logged over 160 hours of professional development learning to use and teach effectively with this high-end equipment.  With Science in Motion, this is a reality.  In many instances the cost of science equipment required for many laboratory experiences is too expensive for individual schools or even school systems to purchase on their own.  The Science in Motion program purchases science equipment that can be shared between school systems across a region of Alabama.  School systems interested in participating in the program send their science teachers to professional development workshops for two consecutive summers to learn mastery of subject matter, proper use of equipment, and are provided with the opportunity to network with peers.  Then, during the school year Science in Motion program specialists drop off the science equipment at each school on an as needed basis.  The program specialists may also join the teachers to team teach during classroom visits.  Auburn University hosts Science in Motion in the subjects of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.  For more information call Dr. Paul Norgaard at 334-844-6950.

Science Investigations - Science Investigations provides a meaningful science lab experience for home schooled students in grades 7-10.  The program, held at Auburn University’s main campus, is designed to be a learning continuum throughout the school year. The program is comprised of a parent meeting and twelve academic sessions designed to build students’ scientific research and laboratory skills through the development of their own ‘science investigation’.  Students will present their science investigation project at their regional, International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)-affiliated fair in the spring. 

Science Matters - Science Matters is a summer enrichment program for elementary students in grades 1-6 that offers youngsters a supercharged science experience. The program allows participants to explore the world of science through real experiments, fantastic field trips, technology and art projects, and hands-on, make-n-take activities.  Each summer, Science Matters offers multiple science-themed weeks of programming.  Designed as a comprehensive six-year curricular program, Science Matters courses rotate each summer so that students can enter the program at any grade and experience unique programming each year through sixth grade.  The flexibility of Science Matters allows students to engage in a single week or in multiple weeks each summer.  Courses are designed and taught by exceptional elementary and secondary teachers of science who are trained in inquiry-based, student-centered learning approaches of instruction.

Science Olympiad - Science Olympiad is a one-day sports-like science competition involving approximately 2,000 Alabama K-8 students each year. Auburn hosts two separate Olympiad events each year – one for middle students and a separate event for elementary students.

• Middle School - For more information, contact Dr. Steve Stuckwisch at stuckse@auburn.edu
• Elementary School - For more information, contact Dr. Greg Harris at harriga@auburn.edu

S.S.I. (Summer Science Institute) - This all-new summer science program for outstanding 11th-12th grade students interested in science and mathematics is open to students residing in Alabama or Georgia.

TASSAL - TASSAL is an afterschool science education initiative developed by program specialists from Auburn University’s College of Education and College of Sciences and Mathematics in collaboration with the Truman Pierce Institute. TASSAL will utilize a series of hands-on, inquiry based activities that integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics principles in a fun, non-threatening learning environment.

TEAMS Competition - TEAMS is an annual theme-based competition sponsored by the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) giving students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to discover engineering and how they can make a difference in the world.  Students become part of the action as they work as a team using practical applications of math and science to answer engineering questions about everyday world challenges.  Students apply their classroom knowledge during two, 90-minute competition parts.  COSAM, in partnership with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, hosts the TEAMS competitions each year in February following Engineering Day (E-Day).

Women's Leadership Symposium on Sciences and Mathematics - Held every year, the Women’s Leadership Symposium was established to showcase distinguished women in the fields of sciences and mathematics.  Fifty area high school girls with leadership potential are invited to campus to be a part of this dynamic one-day experience.  The morning opens with a panel discussion featuring accomplished women from various disciplines then follows with a luncheon that features a keynote speech delivered by a women distinguished in her discipline.  Past panelists and keynote speakers have included women from NASA, the Center for Disease Control, The Wharton School, and a Jefferson Science Fellow recipient.  Our goal is to provide a platform for young women to meet many different female role models in sciences and mathematics.  This event is sponsored by the Society of Women in Sciences and Mathematics, a COSAM-based organization committed to increasing awareness of the opportunities available for women at all stages of their careers, supporting experiences to enhance the learning environment, and encouraging young women to pursue career paths in sciences and mathematics.

The Y.E.S. Program (Youth Experiences in Science)

• Spring Y.E.S. - Spring YES is a Saturday science academy offered every spring for students in grades 3-5.  Courses for Spring YES have included Carnivorous Plants, Kitchen Chemistry, Scientific Egg Scramble and others.
• Summer Y.E.S. - Summer YES is a four-day summer enrichment academy that offers a variety of unique experiences for children who will enter grades 7-9 in the fall of that year.  The program appeals to those students who have a genuine interest in how things work, what things are made of, and real world science.

• Department of Biological Sciences – The department holds two weekly seminars; BioLunch is held Fridays from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in Funchess Hall 362 and usually features graduate students and their research or travels. The departmental seminar is typically held in Rouse Life Sciences Building at 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.

  Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry – Colloquia are typically held every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. with refreshments at 3:45 p.m. in the Chemistry Building.

  Department of Geology and Geography – Colloquia are typically held Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. in Petrie Hall. Department of Mathematics and Statistics – Colloquia are usually held Fridays in Parker Hall 250 from 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. with refreshments in room 244 at 3:30 p.m.

  Department of Physics – Colloquia are typically held every Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in Parker Hall 249 with refreshments at 2:45 p.m. in Allison Lab, room 200.

  Littleton-Franklin Lectures - The Littleton-Franklin Lectures address the pervasive problem of retaining our humanity and ideals in a rapidly developing technological society. Sponsored since 1968 by the John and Mary Franklin Foundation of Atlanta, GA, the series in its name also recognizes the services of Mosley Professor Emeritus Taylor D. Littleton. All lectures are free and open to the public.

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