SPARK STEM-M School Visit – Tucker Middle School (DNA & Cancer Cells)

Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:35 PM (divided into four sessions)
Location: Tucker Middle School, Tucker, GA
Transportation: Carpool coordination available

SPARK STEM-M (STEM as it relates to medicine) is a K–12 outreach initiative housed in Emory’s Center for Civic and Community Engagement in partnership with the School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

We will be visiting Tucker Middle School (7th grade) to facilitate an interactive, large-group rotational STEM-M experience focused on:

• DNA and genetic coding

• Cancer cell mutation

• Scientific reasoning

• Real-world medical careers

We are seeking undergraduate, graduate, and professional student volunteers to assist with:

• Supporting 10-minute hands-on STEM-M rotation stations

• Assisting SPARK STEM-M student employees with organization, material distribution, and clean-up

• Supporting student engagement and group transitions

STEM-M graduate students, professional students, and residents will also have the opportunity to participate in a 20-minute Q&A session, sharing their academic journey into medicine and healthcare and offering insight into their pathway.

This is a powerful opportunity to increase career awareness and build confidence in students who may not otherwise see direct access to STEM-M pathways.

No prior teaching experience is required — all materials, training, and station guides will be provided. Volunteers may sign up for two (2) sessions or all four (4) sessions throughout the school day, depending on availability. Session blocks will be outlined during registration. Graduate students and professionals may select the Q&A-only option if their schedules do not permit attending the full session(s). 

Each session is 1 hour and 15 minutes in length and includes a 20-minute Q&A. Please see the session breakdown below:

Morning Sessions 1–2:

• Session 1 (9:30–10:45am)
  Q&A: 10:25–10:45am
• Session 2 (10:50am–12:05pm)
  Q&A: 11:45am–12:05pm

Afternoon Sessions 3–4:

• Session 3 (1:00–2:15pm)
  Q&A: 1:55–2:15pm
• Session 4 (2:20–3:35pm)
  Q&A: 3:15–3:35pm