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.).

Credits

1

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

Department

STEM

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Other

General Education Competency

[GE Core type]

Credit Hours Narrative

1

Grading Method

Non-graded

Repeatable

N

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 Exams

None

Required Text

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.