On May 2nd, students from West Ranch High School will be sending their experiments to the near space environment using a high altitude balloon in collaboration with Stratostar, a revolutionary STEM education company.

Throughout the semester, students have designed experiments to be tested on their 6th annual weather balloon launch. The project helps students expand and apply their knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. This program is unique to the greater LA and Southern California Region. Christine Hirst has worked with NASA scientists and educators to design a unique mission based astronomy course which allows students to apply their learning to test experiments in space. Nine different experiments will be launched with the balloon, providing students with a rare and unique opportunity to experience the effects space. To date, over 60 student experiments have launched and many have taken their experiments to universities. One student has launched his experiment with NASA’s High Altitude Student Platform twice.

This unique experience is designed to facilitate out-of-the-box thinking and immerse students in experimentation. Students have been split into 4 teams to focus on various aspects of the mission: Payload, Launch, Reconnaissance, and Media. Each team will be sending their own experiment. Once all of the experiments and equipment have been prepared and programmed, the balloon lifts off. It will reach the stratosphere and will be in the air for approximately two and a half hours. The Reconnaissance team will then set off to recover the payload using GPS technology.

The launch is a truly stellar event. If you would like to join the adventure, come to:
West Ranch High School’s Outdoor Amphitheater at 12:30 p.m.