Direct to Discovery (D2D): Delivering opportunities for authentic STEM discovery directly to Georgia's K12 classrooms
Direct to Discovery delivers the subject matter STEM expertise of Georgia Tech directly to Georgia's K12 classrooms through virtual learning experiences focused on STEM inquiry and design. Direct to Discovery enables students to interact with world-class scientists and engineers, engage in real-world STEM inquiry and design, and remotely access select Georgia Tech research facilities. Direct to Discovery is free for Georgia schools and families, and is developed using the approved Georgia education standards.
Upcoming Direct to Discovery sessions
Dive into a world of STEM with our regularly scheduled Direct to Discovery sessions. We regularly offer sessions on a variety of topics designed to spark curiosity and enhance STEM learning.
Each session is approximately 45 minutes.
My 157 Days in Space! (K-12)
November 18, 2025, 9:00am - Register
Dr. Sandra "Sandy" Magnus (Georgia Tech graduate, Georgia Tech Professor of Practice, and 20-year NASA veteran) will share her journey of becoming an astronaut and answer questions regarding space travel. During her time with NASA, Dr. Magnus completed three missions and spent over 150 days in space. In 2022, Dr. Magnus was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. This one-of-a-kind session is open to all grade levels as it is a rare opportunity to interact with an astronaut!
Past D2D Sessions
A Tour of the Solar System (4th Grade)
Dr. James Sowell (Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, Georgia Tech) will serve as your tour guide in a quick flight around our solar system.
Associated Standard: S3E2a, S3E2b
October 14, 2025, 9:00am and 1:00pm
The Secret Life of Bacteria (7th Grade)
Dr. Lauren Speare (Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences and Ocean Science and Engineering, Georgia Tech) will take the students on an exploration of the lives of bacteria. They are much more complex than most people think!
Associated Standard: S4E1a
October 15, 2025, 9:00am and 1:00pm
That Used to Be a Dinosaur! (3rd Grade)
Ms. Slenker (Spatial Ecology and Paleontology Lab, Georgia Tech) will explore the process of fossilization and discuss fossils found in the state of Georgia.
Associated Standard: S3E2a, S3E2b
October 16, 2025, 9:00am and 1:00pm
Living on Mars! (6th Grade)
For years, we have discussed the colonization of Mars. Dr. James Sowell (Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, Georgia Tech) will explore what would need to be done for us to one day live on the Red Planet.
Associated Standard: S5E1a, S5E1b, S5E1c
October 17, 2025, 9:00am and 1:00pm
The Earth is Moving! (5th Grade)
The Earth is a dynamic place. Dr. Jennifer Glass (Professor and Associate Chair, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Tech) will explore the constructive and destructive forces that have shaped the face of our planet.
Associated Standard: S8P1b, S8P1c
October 22, 2025, 9:00am and 1:00pm
For more information, email STEM-GTRI@gtri.gatech.edu.
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