Macon Stem

Macon Stem STE(A)M is creating a community of problem solvers to lead Macon County into the future.

Applications are available at East Franklin, Iotla Valley, Cartoogechaye, South Macon, and Mountain View Intermediate.
02/25/2026

Applications are available at East Franklin, Iotla Valley, Cartoogechaye, South Macon, and Mountain View Intermediate.

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Summer Accelerator Information SessionAre you ready to explore, create,...
11/18/2025

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Summer Accelerator Information Session
Are you ready to explore, create, and accelerate your learning this summer?

Join us for an engaging Summer Accelerator Information Session to learn more about our exciting programs and how to apply! Whether you’re curious about course options, the application process, or what makes Summer Accelerator such a unique experience, this session is the perfect place to start.

Date: Thursday, December 4th
Time: 6:00 PM EST (via Zoom)
Location: Virtual — join from anywhere!

We’ll cover:

Program highlights and course options

Application tips and deadlines

What to expect during your Summer Accelerator experience

Live Q&A with our Summer Programs team

Sign up here to receive your Zoom link and get updates leading up to the event! https://ncssm.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0768faacd4f98345da9109493&id=d8e8f5d78f

Don’t miss your chance to learn how you can ignite your curiosity and accelerate your future with NCSSM this summer!

Mountain View students participated in a Migration Celebration where they met researchers, helped to inventory birds and...
10/20/2025

Mountain View students participated in a Migration Celebration where they met researchers, helped to inventory birds and butterflies for the new Cove Branch Trail, participated in a citizen science project, created artwork and poetry, learned about local wildlife, and learned how plants and animals prepare for winter.
A special shout out goes to Mainspring Conservation Trust (Jason Meador and Skye Cahoon), Big Bald Raptor Research, Heather Pratt (WCU/Highlands Biological Station), Steve O'Neal with Earthshine Nature Programs, and to all the teachers and students who made it a wonderful week!

We are excited to share that the BetaBox has arrived at MMS! This hands-on mobile lab is part of a statewide North Carol...
10/20/2025

We are excited to share that the BetaBox has arrived at MMS! This hands-on mobile lab is part of a statewide North Carolina initiative designed to engage students in STEM innovation, design thinking, and problem solving.

On Thursday and Friday, our STEM students will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technology, work through creative design challenges, and experience real-world applications of STEM in ways that connect directly to North Carolina’s industries and future workforce needs.

This is an incredible chance for our students to think like engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs — right here on campus; BetaBox inspiring and high-energy environment that shows what authentic, hands-on learning looks like in STEM education.

Thank you for supporting these experiences that help prepare our students for the future.

Chemistry Edventure at Mountain View! Our After-school Edventure students are enjoying the Chemistry Club that meets on...
10/15/2025

Chemistry Edventure at Mountain View! Our After-school Edventure students are enjoying the Chemistry Club that meets on Thursday. We still have 6 weeks left! If you are interested in joining us, please contact us at [email protected].

The Macon Outdoor Club (Franklin High and Macon Early College) took off on a beautiful Saturday this fall to learn about...
10/15/2025

The Macon Outdoor Club (Franklin High and Macon Early College) took off on a beautiful Saturday this fall to learn about Mountain Biking! After testing our bikes on the Oconaluftee Trail, we tackled one of the trails on Fire Mountain! We had a great day (and no injuries)!

Biodiversity Day at South Macon Elementary SchoolWe had a perfect day last Friday at South Macon Elementary School, cele...
10/07/2025

Biodiversity Day at South Macon Elementary School

We had a perfect day last Friday at South Macon Elementary School, celebrating Biodiversity Day! All of our 4th-grade students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through three exciting biodiversity stations:

Mr. Steven O’Neil of Earthshine Nature Programs led a dynamic program on wildlife and the importance of biodiversity.

Jason Meador, Aquatics Program Manager, guided students through stream studies and macroinvertebrate exploration.

Skye Cahoon, Conservation Outreach Director with Mainspring Conservation Trust, introduced students to the fascinating world of salamanders.

These enriching experiences were made possible thanks to the dedication of our incredible 4th-grade teachers and the generous support of the Highlands Biological Foundation.

A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make this day a success—and to our students for their curiosity and enthusiasm for the natural world!

STEM-Focused Week Engages Students Across Macon CountyLast week was an exciting time for STEM education in Macon County!...
10/02/2025

STEM-Focused Week Engages Students Across Macon County

Last week was an exciting time for STEM education in Macon County! On Thursday and Friday, students from Mountain View Intermediate School, Macon Middle School, and Macon Early College took part in the STEM-E Student Conference hosted by Cherokee Central Schools. This event, sponsored by WRESA and funded through a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, provided students with the opportunity to explore local STEM careers and engage in hands-on learning activities led by industry experts.

On Friday, over 400 students from Mountain View Intermediate, Macon Middle School, and Franklin High School attended the Western Carolina University STEM Outreach Day. Students experienced college life first-hand while participating in science labs, chemistry demonstrations, and interactive learning sessions.

In addition, students at MVI participated in STEM challenges throughout the day on Friday and will continue their explorations next week.

A big thank you to WCU faculty and students for hosting our students, and to all local organizations and grant sponsors for supporting high-quality STEM opportunities in our schools!

The Macon Outdoor Club (FHS and MEC) had a wonderful trip to the Appalachian Highlands Science and Learning Center! The...
09/26/2025

The Macon Outdoor Club (FHS and MEC) had a wonderful trip to the Appalachian Highlands Science and Learning Center! The group was able to participate in a citizen science project for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Snails), and we went on a 5-mile hike! This was our first trip of the year, and it was great to get to know everyone over stargazing, spaghetti, games, and a beautiful view! Thank you to the NC Youth Engagement Commission for their support of our Trailblazers Outdoor Club (gooutside.nc.gov/trailblazers/).

We need your help! We are having our first "Kids in Nature Trail Crew" event tomorrow, August 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm....
08/25/2025

We need your help! We are having our first "Kids in Nature Trail Crew" event tomorrow, August 26th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. If you have a w**d eater and would be willing to help, please meet in the outdoor classroom at Mountain View Intermediate School. This workday is not for children. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Love at [email protected]

08/11/2025

Learn more about what your child will be studying this year in their science classes by checking out these new parent/guardian curriculum guides.

Looking for something to do that is out of this world? Check out this program at the Otto Community Center!
06/12/2025

Looking for something to do that is out of this world? Check out this program at the Otto Community Center!

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1202 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC
28734

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