June 22-26 marked the inaugural edition of the St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) Space STEM Camp, as a continuation of the free STEM Camp series for high school students from the tri-county Southern Maryland region, sponsored by The Patuxent Partnership. This year's Space STEM Camp was led by SMCM faculty member Digesh Raut (physics), who chaired the program. The instructional team also included SMCM faculty members Emily Barranca (mathematics) and Emily Brownlee (biology), with assistance from SMCM students Gillian Brewer and Amelia Fleming.
"Space Camp: From Lab to Launchpad" featured lectures, live demonstrations and interactive hands-on activities focused on rocketry, space biology, broader space science and astronomical observations. The 28 students explored the fundamentals of rocket design, propulsion and aerodynamics by constructing and testing a variety of rocket models with different propulsion mechanisms. Students built and launched fizz rockets, stomp rockets and model rockets powered by commercial rocket engines.
The camp also included daytime and evening telescope sessions using SMCM Department of Physics' telescopes to observe sunspots, the moon, planets and other celestial objects. The evening sessions were open to students' family members and received enthusiastic participation.
Guest lecturers and experts introduced campers to space science and technology and career paths in the aerospace industry:
- Sandi Beaulieu, director of research for Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division
- Capt. Pierre J. Thout, former NASA astronaut (Space Shuttle missions: Atlantis, Endeavour, Columbia)
- Kylie Ho, corporate development and strategic partnerships for Blue Origin
Through the presentations and activities, students developed skills in project management, communication, teamwork and team building.
