Students gain practical experience by designing, building, and launching their own 'near-space-craft' payloads into the stratosphere.
Students participating in the NASA Weather Balloon and Science Camp will engage in hands-on activities to design, build, and launch 'near-space-craft' payloads. These payloads are carried into the stratosphere by weather balloons, allowing students to explore conditions similar to outer space. Key activities include constructing payload structures from lightweight yet durable materials, and programming microcontrollers to manage onboard systems. The payloads are equipped with cameras, microcontroller-logged sensor suites, GPS systems, and tracking radios to collect data and imagery from high altitudes. Through these projects, participants develop valuable skills in engineering design, electronics, programming, and scientific data collection. The camp aims to foster an understanding of aerospace principles and scientific exploration through practical application.
A typical day involves designing and building payload components, programming microcontrollers, and learning about the science behind weather balloons and stratospheric flight through other projects and activities.
This camp is best for middle school students interested in aerospace, engineering, and hands-on science experiments.
Hopkins Community Education, Hopkins, MN
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