STEM Education Program


Sparking curiosity through real-world application

The mission of DRI’s STEM Education Program is to support PreK-12 educators in research-based, STEM education by providing the tools, resources, and knowledge they need, so all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work, live and contribute in our community. We achieve our mission by offering experiential learning opportunities that support individuals’ pathway to the STEM knowledge economy and workforce.

The STEM Education Program provides inquiry-based STEM curriculum through our Green Boxes, presents educator professional development trainings, offers college internships, provides workforce development opportunities, and facilitates all-ages outreach programs.

STEM EDUCATION PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

600+ educators trained through hands-on professional development events

27,000+ community members participated in
EnergySmart Education learning opportunities

30,000+ K-12th grade students engaged in hands-on
STEM learning through our Green Box program

Over 150 undergraduate students developed workforce skills
through hands-on internships

More than 150 Green Boxes available for Nevada Educators

Student works at a laptop on a table and another student looks on and points at that screen.
An open Green Box displaying STEM materials for the Chemistry of Fire Emissions.

Green Boxes

Green Boxes are self-contained teaching kits that provide educators with two or more weeks worth of STEM lesson plans along with all of the supplies necessary to conduct each activity.

teachers having fun during a professional development session.

Educator Professional Development

Preparing Nevada’s educators with real world science information and expertise so they can transmit that information to their students. DRI’s STEM Education Team hosts professional development teacher trainings throughout the year.

A shelf in the STEM CoLab featuring robots and items available to check out.

STEM Co-Lab Lending Library

Southern Nevada Educators can utilize the STEM Co-Lab lending library, checking out classroom sets of 3D printers, Photon Robots, Cricuts, Arudiunos, and more!

Instructor showing a student an evergysmart activity.

EnergySmart Education

Outreach programs to K-12 schools throughout Nevada to teach and promote energy consumption awareness and energy conservation.

Students in a field of growing flowers with a researcher.

STEM Force

The STEM Force Program engages at-risk youth in a STEM-intensive experience, sparking interests, developing career connections, and identifying pathways for the future. This program promotes equity through STEM exposure and engagement, preparing Southern Nevada’s vulnerable youth for successful futures.

Two students are sitting at a table and working on one laptop and smiling.

Virtual Resources

Explore our virtual STEM learning resources, including curriculum, classroom activities, and more!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Educators working with a laptop on the floor next to a large map where they are guiding robots on a path.

Help Support These Programs

Your donation will go towards the STEM Education Program’s incredible initiatives such as Green Boxes, teacher trainings, and workshops. DRI’s STEM Education Programs impact communities throughout the entire state of Nevada, reaching urban, rural, and tribal communities.

CONTACT

STEM Education
Program
Team
STEMeducation@dri.edu
775.673.7389

RENO LOCATION

Desert Research Institute
Northern Nevada
Science Center

2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

LAS VEGAS LOCATION

Desert Research Institute
Southern Nevada
Science Center

755 East Flamingo Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

NV Energy Logo
Southwest Gas: Smarter, Greener, Better
MGM Resorts International logo with a gold roaring lion.
RZH Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation