The STEM Discovery Lab is located in the David L. Rice Library at the University of Southern Indiana (USI). It is a hands-on learning space for K-8 students. Opened in spring 2026, the lab supports field trips with activities in science, technology, engineering, and math that follow Indiana state and national standards.
Our Background
The lab was created in response to valuable feedback from teachers, who shared ideas for building more connected and hands-on USI field trips. Prior to April 2025, USI Event Services coordinated field trip arrangements with support from the Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center (SwISTEM) and USI faculty/staff. Building on this foundation, we welcomed a dedicated STEM Curriculum Development and Outreach Specialist in April 2025. This new role has enabled the curation of a diverse and dynamic set of lessons tailored to various needs and aligned with current educational standards.
In 2025, USI received initial funding from CenterPoint Energy, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), and the Alcoa Foundation. This funding allowed us to equip the lab with modern tools and learning resources. The goal is to connect area K-8 students with the university in support of STEM achievement in southwest Indiana and its surrounding areas.
Lab Features
The lab offers a variety of hands-on activities across engineering, science, technology, and mathematics, drawn from the STEM Discovery Lab Lesson Catalog and delivered to students using best practices in STEM education. Teachers can select from this catalog of lessons, which are designed for specific grades but can be adapted to fit the needs of other grade levels. View the full Lesson Catalog for details.
In addition to the catalog activities, the lab includes a new AR (augmented reality) sandbox for interactive simulations of geographic and environmental processes. We are continuously working to secure additional funding to incorporate other cutting-edge educational features into the lab.
Sessions focus on real-world problem-solving and STEM exploration, with small-group rotations ensuring full participation for all. Groups of up to 40 students will cycle through multiple engaging hands-on activities in 60-90 minute sessions; larger groups (40+) are divided into smaller cohorts using a similar format. Field trips can accommodate up to 160 students (1 adult chaperone required per 8 students).
Partnerships
We partner with organizations such as the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division and the National Environmental Education Foundation to weave local industry perspectives and regional environmental themes into our activities, enabling students to see direct links to their communities and daily lives. We look forward to building more relationships with other organizations, industry, and government to expand the ways in which we make direct connections to the daily lives of students in the area.
Scheduling
To book a visit, use our Reservation Form. Choose a lesson from the catalog, note your group's grade and size, and select a date. We will reach out to you directly to finalize your field trip.
For inquiries, reach SwISTEM at stem.center@usi.edu or 812-461-5392.
Managed by Mr. Evan Rebar, MSEd, the STEM Discovery Lab supports SwISTEM's work with formal educators, libraries, homeschoolers, and other informal educational organizations in the tri-state area since 2009.
