Poster Presentation

Engaging teens in STEM: A Journey through the Nationwide Eclipse Science Ballooning Project

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Abstract

Engaging Teens in STEM: A Journey through the Nationwide Eclipse Science Ballooning Project

This poster showcases the enriching experience of Native American teens who participated in the Nationwide Eclipse Science Ballooning Project. High school students collaborated with scientists, engineers, and peers to delve into authentic STEM inquiry. The students and their teachers created a device for sampling microbes in the atmosphere, culminating in a journey to Texas to launch their payload.

The project unfolded within an introductory computer science class. The poster illustrates the iterative engineering process undertaken by students as they designed and refined the sampling device. Through various investigations, they developed protocols for assembling, running, and retrieving their payload. 

Reflections from participating students offer insights into their learning journey, highlighting the acquisition of valuable skills and knowledge in STEM fields. Their reflections not only emphasize the technical aspects of the project but also underscore the collaborative and problem-solving skills honed throughout the endeavor.

 

Keywords: science ballooning, solar eclipse, teens, Native American, STEM

How to Cite:

Oatman, B., DeJong, D., Estes, T., Ziegler, T., Tamayo, K., Battese, V., LaForge, B. & Middletent, C., (2024) “Engaging teens in STEM: A Journey through the Nationwide Eclipse Science Ballooning Project”, Academic High Altitude Conference 2024(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ahac.17982