Field Trips and Camps

Students in the lab on a STEM field trip

STEM Education and Research Center

STEM Field Trips

The STEM Education and Research Center offers full-day STEM field trips throughout the academic year for K-12 students. Schools may bring an individual class or student club.

Most events require a minimum of 20 students with a maximum of 40 students. Predetermined activities have different minimum and maximum requirements; see the activities section below.

Field trip packages

Full day with lunch provided

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$45 per student
$25 per teacher

Day includes:

  • Variety of STEM activities
  • STEM shirt
  • Name tag with lanyard
  • Planetarium show
  • Students may bring a sack lunch or money to eat in the Baker Pattillo Student Center food court

Half day

9 a.m. to noon 
$20 per student
$10 per teacher

Day includes:

  • Variety of STEM activities
  • STEM shirt
  • Name tag with lanyard
  • Planetarium show
  • Lunch will not be provided

Note: These prices are subject to change depending on activities scheduled. Times may also be slightly adjusted to accommodate travel.

STEM field trip activities

The activities listed below are just a sample of activities available.

Arduino boards and GPS tracking: Students create a blinking, beeping, battery-powered beacon. At least one student per group of four will need a phone with data.

Biology microorganisms: Mounting organisms on a microscope slide and identification.

Engineering catapult: Students will create and build a catapult that launches marshmallows through different challenges.

Robotics: Student will program an EV3 robot through different obstacle courses.

Wiggle-Bots: An engineering activity that allows students to experiment and build a Wiggle-Bot with their own innovative design.

Chemistry in a bag: Students will use household chemicals and an indicator to explore chemical reactions and employ problem-solving skills.

Egg drop: An activity that introduces students to physics and material science.

Makey-Makey: With Makey-Makey, the computer becomes an extension of the students’ creativity, fostering imaginative play and discovery.

Rockets: Students will work together to build and implement a rocket launch.

Slime: Students will work with a partner to make their own slime in different colors.

Geo-environmental exploration: Students will investigate quantitative and qualitative measurements for the characterization of water resource management.

Shark dissection: Students, with the help of SFA faculty and students, will dissect all parts of a dogfish shark.

ER!: Students will rotate through hands-on nursing stations, including simulated IVs and blood pressure checks. This event will be at the DeWitt School of Nursing, 5707 North St., Nacogdoches.

Planetarium: Watch a show in SFA’s planetarium! These shows provide unique teaching and learning space not only for the science of astronomy but for all STEM fields. Click here to view show options.

High-School STEM Day

Intended for ninth through 12th graders to experience inquiry-based student-centered STEM modules designed and facilitated by SFA faculty and staff.

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
$30 per student
$20 per teacher

Price includes materials, lunch and a STEM T-shirt.

Check-in at 8 a.m.
Kennedy Auditorium, SFA Campus
1906 Alumni Drive
Nacogdoches, Texas 75962

Register for STEM Day

STEM Summer Programs

The STEM Education and Research Center offers annual STEM events throughout the summer. Children can be signed up by their parent or guardian to participate in inquiry-based and interactive activities facilitated by the STEM Center.

For more information, email stemcenter@sfasu.edu, or call 936.468.5814.

Little STEM Jacks

Through immersive scientific discovery, Little STEM Jacks day camp looks to excite students to the many possibilities in math and science.

Camps typically offered for students in grades 1-5.

Clubs of Deep East Texas Day Camp

Get ready for an exciting STEM summer camp exclusively for Boys and Girls Club members! Dive into hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, where you’ll build engaging projects and explore new concepts. Join us for a fun-filled week of discovery, creativity and teamwork as we unlock the wonders of STEM together!

Registration is completed through local clubs.

Robotics and Coding Summer Camp

Join us for a week-long robotics and coding summer camp tailored for middle school students. Using EV3 robots and FIRST LEGO League Challenge supplies, students will master block programming techniques. Participants will unleash their creativity as they program their robots to conquer exciting missions, while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Designed for students who will be entering grades 6 through 8 for the upcoming school year.