STEAM Learning Center

HOST: Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Saturday, October 27th, 10:00am-6:00pm
The STEAM Learning Center will be available throughout the TN STEAM Festival during the Library's open hours. All activities are while supplies last.

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 501 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, TN 38017

WHAT: Explore the STEAM Learning Center during the Tennessee STEAM Festival, October 11-27! Located in the Children's Area, enjoy themed books, activities, and hands-on learning in science, engineering, art, and math. Topics rotate every few days, so there's always something new to discover!

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens

COST: Free

WEBSITE: www.colliervilletn.gov/library

STEAM Story Time (Gray Library)

HOST: Washington County Public Library

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 11:00-11:45am

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 5026 Bobby Hicks Hwy. Gray, TN 37615

WHAT: Join us for stories that explore innovations and important STEM concepts from the depths of the sea to outer space! These story times are intended for ages 4-6 and include stories, songs, and a craft. No registration is necessary.

AUDIENCE: Children, Families, Children/Youth with Special Needs

COST: Free

WEBSITE: wclibrarytn.org

Happy Doodle Day (Homeschool)

HOST: Pinecrest Camp and Retreat Center

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 10:00am-12:00pm

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 21430 Hwy 57, Moscow, TN 38057

WHAT: We’ll celebrate the day that Doodle the Friendly Noodle, our official education corn snake, came to live with us at Pinecrest. Celebrate with “snakerdoodle” cookies, a snake craft, snake trivia, a herpetology walk, and silly games! We’re joining up with Little Explorers to have one big party! Want to bring a gift? Doodle loves the “small rats” from the freezer at the pet store. Recommended ages 4-7, sibs welcome. Stay after to play and picnic.
Reservations required. Space is limited.
Call 901-878-1247 or email to RSVP

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $8/child, one adult helper free. Ages 2 and under, free. $5 Additional non-participating guests.

WEBSITE: camppinecrest.org

Happy Doodle Day!

HOST: Pinecrest Camp and Retreat Center

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 10:00-11:30am

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 21430 Hwy 57, Moscow, TN 38057

WHAT: We’ll celebrate the day that Doodle the Friendly Noodle, our official education corn snake, came to live with us at Pinecrest. Celebrate with “snakerdoodle” cookies, a snake craft, and silly games! We’re pairing this Field School to have one big party! Want to bring a gift? Doodle loves the “small rats” from the freezer at the pet store.

Reservations required. Space is limited.
Call 901-878-1247 or email to RSVP

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $8/child, one adult helper free. Ages 2 and under, free. $5 Additional non-participating guests.

WEBSITE: camppinecrest.org

Season for Young People Virtual Field Trips

HOST: Tennessee Performing Arts Center

WHEN: Throughout the Festival - see the website for exact performance dates and times

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Virtual

WHAT: TPAC offers Virtual Performances during the school year for those who cannot travel to our building. Virtual performances are free and available for a range of dates, usually 2-3 weeks, and are accessible with an online link. Reserving these performances allows you to use the performance link at any time during the provided date range. Please note that virtual performances are contracted for the specific provided date range, and these dates cannot be extended or changed.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens
Public Schools, Private Schools, and Homeschool Groups

COST: FREE!

WEBSITE: https://www.tpac.org/education-community/season-for-young-people/

Trees are Terrific!

HOST: Middle Tennessee State University Center for Environmental Education

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 8:30am-7:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Middle Tennessee State University; 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132

WHAT: This is a self-guided tour available anytime, but weekends are preferred due to parking restrictions. Parking is free on the weekend but during the week you need to pay for a visitor pass. Go to: https://w1.mtsu.edu/parking/visit.php

Did you know that trees are the largest organisms most of us will encounter in our lifetime? Come visit the MTSU campus in early fall to view representative native Tennessee trees, with one exception, the Ginkgo. Be advised, several of the trees have been removed due to construction or storm damage but there are still beautiful specimens to view. It is suggested you begin with the grand Tulip Poplar near the President's home, adjacent to the driveway on the campus (not from Middle Tennessee Blvd.).

An update is in process, but for a general idea of where trees are located, you can also download the Native Tree map at: https://w1.mtsu.edu/facserv/arboretum/. Tree tags also have a QR code that will provide you with a walking map to specific trees that are part of the Arboretum.

In collaboration with Vanderbilt University, a virtual tour of the campus can be experienced via: http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/mtsu/35

AUDIENCE: Youth/Teens, Adults, Families, Senior Citizens

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://w1.mtsu.edu/facserv/arboretum/

STEAMFest @ B4K

HOST: Bricks 4 Kidz Knoxville

WHEN: Friday, October 11th, 1:00-2:30pm
Saturday, October 12th, 10:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday, October 15th, 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday, October 16th. 1:00-2:30pm and 4:15-5:45pm
Thursday, October 17th, 1:00-2:30pm and 4:15-5:45pm
Friday, October 18th, 1:00-2:30pm
Saturday, October 19th, 10:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday, October 22th, 1:00-2:30pm
Wednesday, October 23th. 1:00-2:30pm and 4:15-5:45pm
Thursday, October 24th, 1:00-2:30pm and 4:15-5:45pm
Friday, October 25th, 1:00-2:30pm
Saturday, October 26th, 10:00am-1:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 9700 Kingston Pike Suite 14, Knoxville, TN, 37922

WHAT: Join us for our LEGO STEAM Sessions to challenge your Master Builders during any of our class opportunities! Week 1 focuses on the Master Builders then Week 2 our event is open to your whole family! LEGO Robotics, Coding, Technic all wrapped in Science, Tech, Engineering, Art and Math!

Register for our classes on our website! bricks4kidz.us/knoxville

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Families

COST: Starting at $29

WEBSITE: bricks4kidz.us/knoxville

STEAM Week at Discovery Park

HOST: Discovery Park of America

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th - Thursday, October 17th, 11:00am-2:00pm
Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th, 10:00am-2:00pm

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 830 Everett Blvd. Union City, TN 38261

WHAT: Join us for a week full of fun STEAM activities at Discovery Park of America. Each day features a new theme, including "Tectonic Tuesday," "Wind-Powered Wednesday,” and “Fossil Friday.” Guests will interact with hands-on programs featuring circuit labs, hand-built wind-powered cars, and outdoor Earth science experiments.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth/Teens, Adults, Families

COST: Free with admission to Discovery Park of America

WEBSITE: https://discoveryparkofamerica.com/event/steam-week-at-discovery-park/

Architecture Tours

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Saturday, October 12th, 3:00-3:45pm
Tuesday, October 15th, 3:00-3:45pm
Wednesday, October 16th, 1:00-1:45pm
Saturday, October 19th, 3:00-3:45pm
Wednesday, October 23rd, 1:00-1:45pm
Saturday, October 26th, 3:00-3:45pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203

WHAT: Learn about the original construction of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and explore 2,500 years of architectural history as the structure transitioned from Greek temple to Christian church to Ottoman mosque.

This is an outdoor and indoor walking tour subject to cancellation due to poor weather. It includes walking on paved and unpaved surfaces, with an option to climb steps or remain on level ground. The indoor portion of the tour is accessible with ramps and an elevator.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Tours are free for Centennial Park Conservancy members or free with the price of admission for non-members.

WEBSITE: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com

Art Cart

HOST: The Parthenon

WHEN: Daily from Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 1:00-1:30pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203

WHAT: Museum experts offer daily programs open to visitors of all ages. On weekdays during regular museum hours, one of our rotating daily programs will take place from 1:00-1:30 PM. Participation is included with museum admission. Art Cart Programs include Ancient Olympics (new!), AIA-Nashville Society Polychromy at the Parthenon, Cowan Challenge, Which Greek God is it Anyway?, and Ask an Expert.

AUDIENCE: Families

COST: Free for Centennial Park members or free with the price of museum admission for non-members

WEBSITE: https://www.nashvilleparthenon.com/

Atomic Glow Putty Discovery Lab Program

HOST: Hands On! Discovery Center

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 10:00am-5:00pm
This runs daily with programs announced periodically each day.

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 1212 Suncrest Drive, Gray, TN 37615

WHAT: We are stirring up something gloppy, goopy, and spooky in the lab for Halloween. Learn about the perplexing properties of polymers and make your own atomic glowing silly putty to take home. Discovery Lab programs announced periodically throughout each day. FREE with general paid admission.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: FREE with paid general admission

WEBSITE: visithandson.org

Observe Fall Bird Banding Research

HOST: Warner Park Nature Center

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 8:00am-12:00pm
Thursday, October 22nd, 12:00-4:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 7311 Highway 100, Nashville, TN, 37221.

WHAT: Fall migration is one of our favorite times of the year! Stop by the bird banding station at the Warner Park Nature Center to observe our federally licensed banders in action. This long-term bird research project has been on-going for 43 years! Leaders: Laura Cook and BIRD Team

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://warnerparks.org/visit/wpnc/

Master the Four Elements: The Science of Bending (Gray)

HOST: Washington County Public Library and Hands On! Discovery Center

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 4:30-5:30pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 5026 Bobby Hicks HWY Gray, TN 37615

WHAT: Do you have what it takes to become the next Avatar? Explore the universe of The Last Airbender and complete your Avatar training by participating in science experiments with earth, air, fire, and water! These experiments will be facilitated by a representative from the Hands On! Discovery Center in Gray.

Registration can be completed by calling the Gray branch library at 423-477-1558.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, Families of all abilities

COST: Free

WEBSITE: wclibrarytn.org

Creating Equitable Environments for STEM Education

HOST: Tennessee Girls Collaborative

WHEN: Tuesday, October 15th, 5:00-6:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: Zoom
Registration is required: https://rcschools.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkceChqT4rHNa2Va-3tg8C-pZ84d4sHCHy

WHAT: Learn strategies to help increase equity in STEM education environments. This webinar will be virtual only and is open to all adults who work with kids learning Science, Technology, Math, and Engineering and can be applied to STEM or coding environments. The webinar will be recorded.

AUDIENCE: Adults, Families

COST: Free

WEBSITE: https://ngcproject.org/about/collaboratives/tennessee-girls-collaborative-project

Falling for STEAM

HOST: Muse Knoxville

WHEN: October 8th - 20th, 2:00-4:00pm

REGION: East Tennessee

WHERE: 516 N. Beaman St. Knoxville, TN 37914

WHAT: This Autumn, we’re FALLing for STEAM at Muse Knoxville! Enjoy quintessential Fall-time weekly programming takeover activities with us! We can’t wait to see you there!

AUDIENCE: Children, Families

COST: Included with Museum Admission:
General Admission (Ages 1-64 years of age): $12

Reduced Cost Admission for the following groups: $6
Senior Citizens 65+
Tennessee Educators (with valid ID)
Military member, spouse, and dependents of military personnel (with valid ID)

Members & Children under the age of 1: FREE

WEBSITE: www.themuseknoxville.org

Giant Screen Theater

HOST: Museum of Science and History

WHEN:
October 12th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
4:30pm Frankenweenie

October 13th and 20th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D

October 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
9:45 Teachers Choice
10:45 Teachers Choice & Public
11:45 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D

October 19th
11:00 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
2:30 Space: New Frontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans Our Blue Planet 3D
7:00 pm Movies & Brews - Predator

October 26th and 27th
11:00 Oceans 3D
12:00 Titanosaur 3D
1:30 Oceans 3D
2:30 NewFrontier 2D
3:30 pm Oceans 3D

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 3050 Central Avenue Memphis, TN. 38111

WHAT: Giant Screen Theater Movies

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $12-Adults, $10-Youth and Seniors

WEBSITE: moshmemphis.org

Autozone Planetarium Shows

HOST: Museum of Science and History

WHEN: Friday, October 11th
Tuesday, October 15th - Friday, October 18th
Tuesday, October 22nd - Friday, October 25th

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 3050 Central Avenue Memphis, TN. 38111

WHAT: Experience seasonal stargazing at the AutoZone dome at the Sharpe Planetarium. This is a full dome experience like no other.

9:45 am – Teachers Choice
10:45 am – Teachers Choice
11:45 am – Memphis Skies
1:30 pm – Faster Than Light
2:30 pm – Memphis Skies
3:30 pm – Faster Than Light

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: $12-Adults, $10 Youth and Seniors

WEBSITE: moshmemphis.org

Take and Make: Design and Create an Instrument

HOST: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEN: Friday, October 11th - Sunday, October 27th, 9:00am-5:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S. Nashville, TN 37203

WHAT: Imagine an instrument you would like to play. Does it have strings? Is it a percussion instrument? Join us in using commonly found objects to create new and amazing instruments of our own creation. Come dream big with us! Recommended for ages 5 and up, but all are welcome.
We will run this program every day of the STEAM Festival. The kits will be available in the Taylor Swift Education Center.

AUDIENCE: Children, Youth, Teens, Families of all abilities

COST: Included with museum admission

WEBSITE: www.countrymusichalloffame.org

Little Shop of Horrors

HOST: Studio Tenn Theatre Company

WHEN: October 11th - 27th, 7:00-9:00pm

REGION: Middle Tennessee

WHERE: 230 Franklin Road Franklin TN 37064

WHAT: Studio Tenn’s 15th Season opens with this affectionate spoof on the 1960’s sci-fi movie about a twisted tale of botanical bloodlust. On the downtrodden streets of Skid Row, Seymour, a struggling floral assistant, becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a craving for fresh blood and world domination.
There is no formal pre-registration required but since Little Shop of Horrors is a ticketed event, we do require tickets to be purchased prior to show times.

AUDIENCE: Adults

COST: Superior price: $95, Premium price: $74, Classic price: $58

WEBSITE: www.studiotenn.org

Planetarium shows for all ages!

HOST: University of Memphis Lambuth M. D. Anderson Planetarium

WHEN: Friday, October 11th, 1:30pm and 3:45pm
Tuesday, October 15th, 5:30pm
Friday, October 18th, 1:30pm
Tuesday, October 22nd, 5:30pm
Friday, October 25th, 1:30pm
Saturday, October 26th, 9:30am

REGION: West Tennessee

WHERE: 299 Maple Street, Jackson, TN 38301

WHAT: Public shows Tuesdays at 5:30 and Fridays at 1:30 p.m. plus Kids' shows Friday, 10/11 at 3:45 and Saturday, 10/26 at 9:30 a.m.

AUDIENCE: All ages and abilities

COST: Free. Large groups should pre-register.

WEBSITE: https://www.memphis.edu/lambuth/newsevents/index.php
https://www.facebook.com/MDAndersonPlanetarium