About The Program
The mission of Science on the Move is to both inspire students and support teachers in STEM education. The program provides resources, materials and training on innovative physical science investigations. These blend content with scientific practices and link learning to real-world experiences. Science on the Move serves elementary, middle and high school students. The program is offered free of charge to the Big Bend region surrounding Tallahassee, Florida, for in person visits and Florida-wide for virtual visits.
Science on the Move is a collaboration between the Office of STEM Teaching Activities and the Department of Physics at Florida State University. The program began in 2000 under the direction of Lance King and has impacted the lives of over 100,000 students and teachers.
About The Director
Charles carpenter
Charles Carpenter became the sixth director of Science on the Move in summer of 2024. Charles has always been fascinated by physics and math, and the lens they provide for understanding the world around us. Charles is a graduate of Florida State University and he started out his career as a science educator in Gadsden County. During his six-year tenure in Gadsden County Charles taught Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics. Over time he developed a real passion in STEM Education and moved to Lawton Chiles High in Leon County teaching Chemistry and Physics. In 2012, Charles transitioned to Florida State University to help implement professional development in the Physical Sciences. While being out of the classroom, Charles realized where his passion was. And he returned to teaching science at Swift Creek Middle School. Lawton Chiles high invited Charles back to their faculty a couple years later. Throughout his career Charles participated in multiple professional experiences outside of his classroom to include time at the Mag lab in Tallahassee, Fermilab in Chicago, and even CERN in Switzerland. Charles now hopes to use his passion to impact an even greater number of students as the director of Science on the Move.
Previous Directors
Lance King, Program founder (2000-2004)
Jonathon Grooms (2004-2010)
Erica Staehling (2010-2013)
Teresa Callahan (2013-2020)
Hannah Hiester (2020-2023)
