STEM 199A Explorations of Near Space
This workshop will involve participants directly in an investigation of the total eclipse of the sun, 8/21/17. Participants will experience the realities of data; collection, retrieval, analysis, and interpretation within the context of launching a weather balloon and building "balloon sats" with various onboard sensors. Participants will spend several Saturday's this summer in preparation to the launch and retrieval 8/21/2017. Additionally, opportunities will be made available for participants to share their experience with the community at large (e.g., CSI social media, vblog, exhibit at Herrett Center/public library, amateur radio, webpage, etc.).
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
STEM 199AExplorations of Near Space
Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.
I. General Information
II. Course Specification
General Education Competency
[GE Core type]
Grading Method
Non-graded
III. Catalog Course Description
This workshop will involve participants directly in an investigation of the total eclipse of the sun, 8/21/17. Participants will experience the realities of data; collection, retrieval, analysis, and interpretation within the context of launching a weather balloon and building "balloon sats" with various onboard sensors. Participants will spend several Saturday's this summer in preparation to the launch and retrieval 8/21/2017. Additionally, opportunities will be made available for participants to share their experience with the community at large (e.g., CSI social media, vblog, exhibit at Herrett Center/public library, amateur radio, webpage, etc.).
IV. Student Learning Outcomes
V. Topical Outline (Course Content)
Why are we interested in near space?
What might we add to the existing collection of data from near space as it pertains to a total solar eclipse?
How can we plan for a lighter than air balloon launch/retrieval, coincident with a major astronomic event, given the variables of time, weather, and place?
How do we build and launch a balloon sat?
How do we bulid electronic sensors capable of function at 90K feet with subsequent storage of acquired data over time?
Introduction to amature radio and APRS.
Communicating science.
VI. Delivery Methodologies
Required Assignments
None
Required Materials
Provided
Required Activities
Participation in 3 to 4 half day (Saturday) workshops prior to launch (8/21/2017). Participation in all day launch and retrieval, 8/21/2017. Participation in 1 half-day (Saturday, after 8/21/2017) workshop for data interpretation/presentation. Participation in outreach event to highlight experience to community (half-day, Saturday, after 8/21/2017). This amounts to about 30 hours of commitment over 3 months.
Assessment Strategy Narrative
Post participation survey
Specific Course Activity Assignment or Assessment Requirements
None None Participation in 3 to 4 half day (Saturday) workshops prior to launch (8/21/2017). Participation in all day launch and retrieval, 8/21/2017. Participation in 1 half-day (Saturday, after 8/21/2017) workshop for data interpretation/presentation. Participation in outreach event to highlight experience to community (half-day, Saturday, after 8/21/2017). This amounts to about 30 hours of commitment over 3 months.