From learning how to code in Python, to flying around the Earth in a virtual reality simulation, the University of Wisconsin\u2013Madison Space Science and Engineering Center Tech Camp brought together 11 students and teachers from the Madison Metropolitan School District in August 2019 to learn about atmospheric science and the tools used by SSEC scientists to study the Earth, its atmosphere and the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inaugural, weeklong course was designed to provide \nunderrepresented students an opportunity to sample a wide-range of \nskills and technologies in science, technology, engineering and \nmathematics fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe vision for the camp came from SSEC director Brad Pierce who \nwanted to do something about the achievement gap within the Madison \nMetropolitan School District,\u201d says Margaret Mooney, SSEC Tech Camp \ncoordinator. \u201cThe idea resonated with me because it addresses the gender\n gap that I\u2019ve experienced in my career.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In five days, attendees heard from more than 10 speakers about different SSEC research projects including tornado modeling<\/a>, computer programing, engineering and ice drilling<\/a>. Several hands-on experiences kept things interesting like VR headset simulations of the Earth and the interactive WxSats<\/a> program which lets students fly around space and track the Earth\u2019s weather satellites in real-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaking things interactive is the key to keeping kids interested,\u201d \nsays La Follette High School Tech Education teacher Nathan Hataj.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another teacher, Angie Wilcox-Hull who teaches Advanced Placement \nenvironmental science at Madison East High School says she was \nespecially interested in the research topic of ice core drilling. She \nhopes to share with her students how scientists use data from ice cores \nto study the state of the atmosphere and how that relates to climate \nchange. She also appreciated the career panel session, where students \nheard from, and asked questions of, SSEC student employees and early \ncareer scientists with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences \nin the STEM fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking ahead, Mooney would like to establish ongoing support for \nprograms like the SSEC Tech Camp and as well as scholarships for \nunderrepresented students interested in pursuing STEM education and \ncareers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n