STEM-on-the-Go Teacher Visit FAQ
What happens if it rains?
If the weather is not cooperative – rain, cold or excessive heat – students may
Do students need a permission slip?
The STEM-on-the-Go Van is considered by most schools as an ‘on-site field trip’ and therefore
What should my students bring with them?
For most visits, students do not need to bring anything with them to the STEM-on-the-Go
Where should I bring my students?
Please look over the schedule you were sent for your school’s visit. Please be ready
How long are the students out at the van?
Each class will be scheduled for one to three periods of time depending on the
Who runs the activities in the van?
All STEM programming is led by Mike Harris, the Mobile Fabrication Lab Manager. Mike is
Who should go out with the students to the van?
The classroom teacher MUST come out to the van with their class. A substitute
How many students can visit the van at a time?
One class of students should visit the van at once. No more than 30 students
What aged students can visit the van?
The STEM-on-the-Go Van is ready to work with students K-12 in a formal education setting
What are the costs associated with bringing the STEM-on-the-Go Van to my school?
Costs are dependent on the length of the visit, school details, and travel expenses incurred.
What kind of activities will students be doing in the STEM-on-the-Go Van?
Each visit is customized to the school, but activities range from using a laser cutter
Can the STEM-on-the-Go Van visit my school?
The van is available to schools, districts, and communities to provide hands-on STEM experiences. Customized
What technologies are on the van?
The Van is a Ford E450 box van equipped with Digital Fabrication and Machining equipment.
What is the STEM-on-the-Go Van?
In partnership with RTI and the Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC), TIES operates the STEM-on-the-GO
We were discussing the $30,000 and what exactly could the funds be used for if selected as an Ecosystem? Also, sustaining the Ecosystem; how have those that are established continued their sustainability?
The $30,000 in funding is an estimate and will be varied depending on the needs
Will there be additional opportunities to apply to become (or join, if a local entity opts to submit an application) a STEM Learning Ecosystem in the future?
Communities are always welcome to apply to join the national STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of
I was also wondering if there is additional information on the grant plan, could that be shared too?
The funding flows to the newly emerging Ecosystems will be customized to those who are
Is it possible to get more information on the application process?
In addition to the Informational Webinar and FAQs, the full application is available by clicking
Does there need to be a lead organization for the Ecosystem or can it be a collaboration?
It can be a collaboration. Our experience leading the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice
After the seven are identified, will there be some refinement or a secondary application, or will it be based on the RFA?
There are no current plans for a secondary application and the RFA for the State
Do we have to have all of our potential partners identified, or can we add partners after we are funded?
It is to your advantage to demonstrate your current strength with existing partnerships, but you
I did not see a funding amount, only that seven would be funded. Can you give an idea of what we are applying for?
The exact amount will not be determined until we know how many new STEM Learning
Is it better to apply as a single community, or as a regional approach, which would include surrounding counties?
We believe you will be in the best position to answer this question. If workforce
What happens after I apply?
Those communities who are most ready to form a new SLE will be invited to
Where can I find more information?
An informational webinar is available for viewing through the STEM SAIL: OHIO site. If you
What are the deadlines?
The Request for Applications opens Sept. 1 and the form is posted below. Applications are
How many entities can apply?
SLEs are collaborative in nature and we encourage applications coordinated among representatives from K-12, higher
What will be expected of the new Ecosystems?
Ecosystems are expected to: Attend virtual bi-weekly meetings of the Ohio STEM Learning Ecosystems. Work
What can the new SLEs expect?
The new STEM Learning Ecosystems will be receiving both technical assistance as well as seed
Who can apply to become a new SLE?
STEM Learning Ecosystems are characterized by cross-sector collaborations of partners. Those communities who are most
Who is funding the effort?
STEM SAIL: OHIO is coordinated by TIES and funded by the State of Ohio with
What is STEM SAIL?
TIES, the operator of the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice, is partnering with the
What is a STEM Learning Ecosystem?
STEM Learning Ecosystems (SLEs) are made up of cross-sector partners from a variety of sectors