Astronomy and STEM Summer Camp (Aug 11- 15, 2025)

Summer Camp Schedule

Augst 11-15, 2025

Lecture Topics (Approx. 2–2.5 hours):

Explore the fundamentals of astronomy – the science of celestial objects and the universe.
Learn to identify stars, planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets using visual cues and motion.
Understand constellations and how their visibility changes with the seasons.
The Perseid meteor shower – when it occurs and why it happens.
Trace the history of astronomy through pioneers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, and the evolution of the telescope.

Activities (Approx. 1–1.5 hours):

Lecture Topics :

Astrophotography Basics: Introduction to mirrorless cameras, lenses, and tripods.
Camera Settings: Learn how ISO, shutter speed, and aperture impact night sky images; explore long exposure techniques.
Light Pollution: Understand its effects on stargazing and how to find darker skies.
Mobile Astrophotography: Tips for capturing stars and meteor showers with a smartphone.
Perseid Planning: How to forecast the Perseid meteor shower peak and prepare for photographing it.

Activities:

Hands-on training with cameras—work on composition, focusing, and exposure simulation experiments.
Special Evening Event: Perseid Meteor Shower at Lake Fairfax Hilltop Group Campsite.
Night Activities: Participate in guided long-exposure photography, visual observation, and meteor counting.

Lecture Topics (Approx. 2 hours):

Types of Telescopes: Compare refractors, reflectors, and radio telescopes.
Using Telescopes: Practical tips and common mistakes to avoid for beginners.
Our Solar System: Overview of structure, orbital patterns, and key differences between terrestrial planets and gas giants.
Mars vs. Venus: Contrast their geology, atmospheres, and the challenges in searching for life—plus fun facts.
Studying Alien Atmospheres: How NASA probes analyze atmospheres on other planets using spectrometry and remote sensing.

Activities :

DIY Paper Telescope: Build a simple telescope and practice viewing distant objects outdoors.
Virtual Exploration: Use NASA Eyes or the Solar System Simulator to explore planets and their orbits.
Planet Hunt Game: Teams race to locate planets using Stellarium — fastest team wins!

Special Evening Event: Stargazing in Virginia

Lecture Topics (Approx. 2 hours):

Lunar Features: Identify basic features like maria, craters, and highlands, and explore the stories behind them.
Phases & Tides: Understand the phases of the Moon and how the Moon influences Earth’s tides.
Moon Formation Theories: Compare the Giant Impact, Capture, and Co-formation theories.
Lunar Exploration: Highlights of the Apollo, Chang’e, and Artemis missions.
Future Lunar Bases: Examine challenges around energy, water sourcing, and sustaining human life on the Moon.

Activities:

Virtual Moon Exploration: Use the GlobeViewer Moon App to explore lunar terrain interactively.
Group Project: Design a future moon mission including mission goals, payload, and robotic system design.

Special Evening Event: Stargazing in Maryland

Lecture Topics (Approx. 2 hours):

Inside the Sun: core, radiative zone, convective zone, chromosphere, and corona.
Solar Phenomena: Explore sunspots, solar flares, prominences, and the solar wind.
Space Weather: Effects of solar storms including GPS disruption and spectacular auroras.
Light Pollution & Preservation: Importance of dark skies and advocacy by the International Dark-Sky Association.
Future Missions: Highlights of the James Webb Space Telescope and concepts for a Mars base.
Space Policy & Cooperation: Brief overview of global space agencies—NASA, ESA, CNSA, and international collaboration.

Activities:

Sun Cross-Section Drawing: Create a detailed diagram of the Sun’s layers.
Solar Observation: Use solar filters for safe Sun viewing (weather permitting).
Group Presentations: Present designs for Future Deep Space Missions.
Closing Ceremony: Showcase all projects, award certificates, and group photo.

Special Afternoon Event: Optional Solar Observation at Union Square (weather-permitting).