Tuesday, March 1, 2005
CAMPUS BEAT: Students succeeding in science today
Valuable science program conducted in conjunction with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
By JUSTIN SINGH / AAE Staff Writer
GAVRT Radio Telescope, DSS12. Photo by Cheryl Thompson
AAE is the "school with the telescope," most people say. But there is so much more to it.
The Goldstone-Apple Valley Radio Telescope is a 34-meter, 500-ton prominent educational tool for the Academy for Academic Excellence, which sets it apart from all other schools. The radio telescope is part of NASA's Deep Space Network and located on property at Fort Irwin.
All too often students say they will never use what they learn, but with GAVRT they are able to apply their knowledge in a fun and productive way.
In the GAVRT program, students team with scientists to conduct cutting-edge research leading to discovery, while accomplishing educational and scientific objectives.
Students in the program are actually able to use skills learned in the classroom and apply them in real-life situations.
One such opportunity is Jupiter Quest, where students in kindergarten through 12th grade learn about Jupiter by measuring the temperatures in the atmosphere and plotting changes in Jupiter's extensive radiation belts.
Students are also participating in the Uranus Campaign Projects, which began in 2002, where they used GAVRT to make radio measurements to observe and determine the nature of Uranus' deep atmosphere.
These programs enable students to experience the rewards of working with a team and learn essential problem-solving skills.
Also, teachers have noted that students have shown more enthusiasm for science and other subjects.
Editor's note: Campus Beat is a special page generated once a month by local high school teenagers.
This month's page comes from ACADEMY FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
Used with Permission by Daily Press, Freedom Communication, 2005