Campers at the 2024 Teton STEM Academy use augmented reality goggles to interact
with a collection of molecules that they can manipulate during an activity that took
place in the 3D Visualization Center. From left, are Kelton Stucki, a freshman from
Riverton; Alec Schuss-Taylor, a junior from Kansas City, Mo.; and Sophia Arnold, a
Laramie freshman. This year’s camp is scheduled June 15-22 on UW’s campus. (Chip Kobulnicky
Photo)
Twenty-four students from across Wyoming will have an opportunity this summer to explore
the interdisciplinary sciences as they relate to a mission to Mars during the Teton
STEM Academy June 15-22 on the University of Wyoming campus.
Campers, who will be entering ninth, 10th and 11th grades this fall, will be chosen
based on demonstrated interest and academic potential in math, science, astronomy
and space. Students need to have at least a “B” average in science and mathematics
and a passing score on the state’s standardized science and mathematics tests. As
part of the application process, students must submit written essays on why they want
to attend the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camp. Additionally,
each student must have two teacher recommendations.
The application deadline is Friday, April 18. First preference will be given to Wyoming
residents. However, students from other states are encouraged to apply. For an application,
go here. The camp is free, except for a $75 registration fee due after students are selected.
The UW Teton STEM Academy is free to participants. It is funded by a generous gift from the estate of Harry
and Mary Ann Lawroski of Teton County, says Chip Kobulnicky, a professor in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy and director of the Teton STEM Academy. On-campus housing and dining will be provided
for attending students.
“Our camp provides high school students with college-level experiences in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics that often shape a student’s future plans,”
Kobulnicky says. “We want our campers to see college as part of their future and to
see UW as an incredible opportunity after high school.”
The hands-on camp will allow students to design a Martian colony; choose landing sites
on Mars; learn about digital communication; explore solar and hydrogen energy sources;
take a field excursion in the Snowy Range; test for signs of life in soil samples;
interpret geological features; and visit UW’s 2.3-meter Wyoming Infrared Observatory
on Jelm Mountain near Laramie.
Professional astronomers; UW graduate students majoring in astronomy or education;
and high school and junior high school teachers will lead the activities. Megan Candelaria,
an assistant research scientist in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy and
associate director for the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium, serves as the associate camp director.
“Campers tell us that they make friends at the STEM Academy that they keep long after
the camp -- friends who are like them and understand them and who inspire them,” Kobulnicky
says.
For more information, email Kobulnicky at chipk@uwyo.edu.
