Exploring New Horizons in STEM
Intro
听 Welcome to the Undergraduate Research in STEM webpage, designed to cultivate a thriving community of student researchers and innovators. This platform showcases various opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, including our participation in the High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) competition supported by NC Space Grant from NC State University, as well as collaborative events with the NC Science Festival and FUTURES program, both produced by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at UNC Chapel Hill. From participating in research projects to joining community outreach initiatives like stargazing and our long-standing STEM club, this page offers students a chance to register, engage, and make meaningful contributions. We also invite donations to support our teams and clubs as they continue advancing STEM research and education.
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Projects & Opportunities:
by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center听Balloon Launch for Atmospheric Science and Technology (BLAST)
听 The BLAST project at SPCC has completed three major missions, each more advanced than the last, offering students the chance to participate in cutting-edge atmospheric research. These missions provide invaluable hands-on experience in engineering, programming, and scientific analysis, making them a dynamic learning opportunity for those interested in STEM fields.
听 Explore our High-Altitude Balloon Project (HAB), known as BLAST, designed for atmospheric research and STEM innovation. Over the years, we have successfully launched three key missions:
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- HARP 1.0 launched with the goal of testing the feasibility of balloon-based research, and the balloon reached an altitude of 74,616 feet. This mission laid the foundation for high-altitude research and also earned the team a Best Photo/Video Award for capturing stunning visuals during the flight.
- In HARP 2.0, we advanced to more complex payloads and experimental setups, successfully reaching 79,600 feet. With improved instrumentation and data accuracy, the mission further explored near-space conditions, including biological experiments. This mission also earned the team the Best Photo Award for an image captured at 72,000 feet, which was featured in an article by NC Space Grant. The article celebrates the team’s achievements and collaborative efforts. You can read the full article听.
- HARP 3.0 marked a new milestone, reaching 89,010 feet with enhanced data collection systems. The mission featured sophisticated sensors, enabling highly accurate environmental measurements. This demonstrated significant improvement in the data quality and analysis from previous missions, reflecting the team’s growing expertise in high-altitude research.
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Why Join?
听 The BLAST project offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to get involved in hands-on STEM research. Each mission builds on the last, pushing the boundaries of what鈥檚 possible in near-space exploration. As our sensor technology and data collection methods improve, so do the scientific insights we can offer. Whether you’re interested in engineering, programming, or science, there’s a place for you in this innovative project.
听 By joining the BLAST team, you’ll not only contribute to real-world research but also become part of a legacy of exploration and discovery. With each launch, our team reaches higher鈥攂oth literally and figuratively鈥攁nd you could be part of our next big achievement! The BLAST project remains a powerful educational tool for promoting STEM engagement, inspiring future NASA scientists, and pushing the frontiers of atmospheric research.
听 For the 2024-25 BLAST Project, please refer to the attached document, which provides an in-depth overview of the project, team roles, and group opportunities available to students from various disciplines. This exciting interdisciplinary experience offers hands-on participation in high-altitude research, technology, and outreach, making it a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in STEM fields, communications, or fundraising.
Interested in joining the next BLAST mission? [Register here] for upcoming opportunities.
NC Science Festival Collaborations:
Our school is proud to be an active participant in the NC Science Festival, organized by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Here鈥檚 a glimpse of recent events:
- NC Science Festival: Wonders of Science (2023):
- NC Science Festival: STEM Spectra (2024)
- FUTURES Program (2024):
Want to be a part of the next festival? [Sign up here].
FUTURES Program-2025 (1)
Stargazing Events:
Join us for our community outreach events centered around the night sky. Our Waxhaw Stargazing Series provides opportunities to explore planets, constellations, and galaxies through high-powered telescopes.
Register here for upcoming stargazing sessions.
STEM Club:
Sign up here to become a member and receive the latest schedule.
Student Registration
To join any of our programs, simply fill out this [Student Registration Form]. Whether you鈥檙e interested in BLAST, the NC Science Festival, or the STEM Club, we鈥檇 love to have you onboard.
Your generous donations help us advance STEM education by supporting student research, competition fees, and travel for events like the NC Science Festival, STEM Club, and High-Altitude Balloon Launches.
- How You Can Help: Contributions fund equipment, transportation, and registration fees, allowing students to focus on research and innovation.
- Donate: [Click here to support our efforts] through a secure online donation system.