- Home >
- Student and Teacher Projects
Learn more about student and teacher projects during the Joint Science and Technology Institute, a hands-on, summer science program for high school students and teachers as well as middle school students interested in STEM careers.
High School Student Projects
Electronic and Military Packaging
Mentors: Dave Vincitore and Mary K. Peck
Chemical Biological Center, Advanced Design & Manufacturing Aberdeen Proving Ground
Students will build a model tank and use their skill to design armor to protect it given unique requirements. They will be challenged to learn new techniques and use their packaging skill against the rugged military environment in order to deliver their ‘tank’ in good working condition. With the support of engineers and specialists from Advanced Design & Manufacturing, the students will also use an open-source Computer-Aided Design program and other rapid prototyping technologies to analyze, design and model tank armor for their project. Students will learn about military specifications for packaging materials to protect their parts and perform ‘real life’ testing of their packaged part against actual conditions and situational environments encountered by the military to ensure a successful delivery. Students will tour the large Advanced Design & Manufacturing facility in Edgewood, MD and have guest speakers that will share their career experiences to help shape their own future endeavors.
Mathematics and Modeling Mania
Mentors: Lindsay Evans, Michael Kierzewski, Dr. Tom Ingersoll, Sandra Méndez, Dominic Pham, Nirmala Pinto, and Doug Sommerville
Chemical Biological Center, DEVCOM, Aberdeen Proving Ground
Students will be introduced to the statistics and math modeling used by Operations Research (OR) analysts for a variety of tasks. Starting with the basics of probability, statistics, and the modeling of a physical system, we will then move into some hands-on experiments with statapults (catapult). This provides a physical setting for students to apply statistics and design of experiments--important components in generating and analyzing data for model development. Student will conduct toxicology modeling, and a simplified model for disease propagation as a simulation to demonstrate how various pathogen parameters and countermeasures impact the worldwide spread of a contagion. Students will be given a primer on how several real-world diseases behave then given the option to enhance their pathogen of choice to more fully infect the world in the simulation. The second phase of this project will discuss how math is linked with cryptography and secure communications, meteorology, and simplified atmospheric transport and dispersion of pollutants/hazards. We will then use the Hazard Prediction and Assessment Capability (HPAC) simulation from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to examine what might happen from various kinds of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) releases at locations near and dear to the students. Rounding out their experience will be some introductions to various methods for individual protection from CBRN hazards, computing hardware, and binary math.
Cycling Smarter not Harder: A Study in Experimental Design
Mentor: Justin Rist
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering The Pennsylvania State University
When conducting a scientific experiment, ideally only one variable needs to be changed between the control and the test scenarios. This allows for understanding of how the changed variable effects the outcome of the system. What if you are conducting an experiment where it is not possible to change only one aspect of the system? Can you still reach conclusions when factors are changing outside of your control?
In this project, students will receive an introduction to probability and statistics methods that allow for sound experimentation when facing uncertainty in a system. We will illustrate these methods through two experiments: First, with a small-scale experiment in the classroom; second, real-world experimentation in the aerodynamic optimization of bicycles around a test track. If comfortable, students will have the opportunity to participate in replications of this real-world experiment (i.e., riding a bike around a test loop).
The Science and Art of Storytelling
Mentor: Gary Cipinko, Retired Professional Photographer
Evanston School District 65
Welcome to "Communicating Through Video Stories"! In this dynamic and interactive class, students will embark on a journey exploring the art of communication through the lens of video storytelling.
Throughout the course, students will delve into the fundamental principles of effective communication and storytelling techniques while mastering the intricacies of video production. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to filming and editing, students will learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their intended audience. Students will explore the components of visual focusing by studying anatomical models of the eye and dissecting the lens/muscles controlling lens shape.
Through hands-on projects and collaborative exercises, students will have the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. Whether it's conveying a message, evoking emotions, or sparking change, students will discover the power of storytelling as a tool for communication and influence.
By the end of the class, students will not only have honed their creative abilities and technical proficiency in video production but will also have gained a deeper understanding of how to engage, connect, and communicate effectively through the captivating medium of video storytelling. Join us and unleash the storyteller within while mastering the art of communication through video!
Design Engineering in the Era of AI
Mentor: Michael Geuy
Mechanical Engineering/Additive Manufacturing and Design The Pennsylvania State University
In the age of machine learning and artificial intelligence, design engineering is undergoing a profound transformation. By leveraging the design flexibility of hobbyist 3D printers, AI algorithms, and human creativity, we answer fundamental questions about the collaboration between humans and machines. Through advanced additive manufacturing techniques and a hybrid design approach, students delve into CAD, generative design software, machine learning algorithms, and the production of additively manufactured components. Investigating firsthand the underlying principles, strengths, and weaknesses, students gain comprehensive insights into the future of design engineering. This course description was written by Open AI’s ChatGPT based on a human-made draft.
Flight Design and Dynamics
Mentor: Harrison Hughes
Simulation Software Engineer Senior Lockheed Martin
Flight Design and Dynamics aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physics, aerodynamics, and design principles involved in flight. Students will learn about the physics concepts that underpin flight and how they apply to the design and control of aircraft. In addition, students will delve into the science of aerodynamics and learn about lift, drag, thrust, and other critical forces and criteria that affect the performance of aircraft. To apply these concepts, students will participate in interactive challenges to design and optimize their own aircraft models. They will also be introduced to programming languages and taught to use Python to control drones.
Size Scale Matters – A Project to Understand the Science Behind Size and Shape Dependent Behavior of Nanoparticles
Mentor: Dr. Mary Devadas
Towson University
Nanoparticles are intriguing because of their size dependent optical and electrical properties. Interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology stemmed from the idea of manipulating materials on the atomic scale. Nanoscience has fascinated scientists (Dr. Richard Feynman) and literary figures (Dr. Michael Crichton, the author of Prey). In the Devadas Nanoscience lab at Towson University students will work to understand how to design nanoparticles to increase light collection efficiency and response for creating sensors and imaging agents using a bottom-up approach.
Middle School Student Projects
Raspberry Pi
Mentor: Master Teacher Raye Pedigo
Assistant Teacher: Neal Dexter
The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages like Scratch and Python. In this course, students will connect a Raspberry Pi to a monitor, a standard keyboard, and mouse, to discover its capabilities and see that it can do everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the internet and playing high-definition video, to playing games. They can use it for future tasks like making spreadsheets or word-processing, as well as a data collection tool for science, and make customizable electronic gadgets.
The students will use a breadboard, wiring, resistors, and LEDs to learn basic coding and electronic circuity. They will build a smart car robot, controlled by a Raspberry Pi, that uses sensors to learn its capabilities with interacting with the outside world. Students will discuss cybersecurity and its impact to their world. And finally, they will be given an opportunity to discover more projects using their raspberry pi.
Antibiotic Discovery
Mentor: Master Teacher Erin Havrilak
Assistant Teacher: Leslie Austin
Students will get a firsthand look at how antibiotics affect bacteria. Students will begin the experiment by growing their own sets of bacteria. Students will then get to test the bacteria against multiple antibiotics to learn how bacteria should and should not respond. To wrap up the project, students will have the opportunity to relate their new understanding of the bacterial antibiotic relationship to real world scenarios from medical research.
Forensic Chemistry
Mentor: Master Teacher Carol Ochsner
Assistant Teacher: Katelyn Hanley
In qualitative analysis (an aspect of forensic chemistry) one determines what substances are present in a given material. In this course, we will apply spectral analysis to the visible portion of the spectrum and using known properties of solubility and reactiveness as well as visual spectra, students will analyze unknowns and determine the presence or absence of particular ions. Chromatography will also be employed to identify substances. Students will learn to use an array of laboratory equipment, techniques, and observational skills.
Water Quality
Mentor: Master Teacher Aaron Burke
Assistant Teacher: Jessica Minton
How do streams behave without human interference and what are the characteristics of a healthy stream? How have the Jones River and Towson Run been altered by humans and how has that impacted the quality of the water? What can be done to protect or improve the health of these areas? In the lab, students will use a stream table to investigate how streams or rivers act without interference and compare that to altered streams designed by the students. Students will use the stream table to learn related vocabulary and conduct experiments to determine and understand slope. Students will investigate Towson Run by conducting water quality tests using sensors to test for dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH.
Teacher Projects
Engineering Product Development at Advanced Design & Manufacturing
Mentor: Jorge Christian
Mentee: Chuhyon Corwin
ADM/DEVCOM CBC/Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, MD
Engineering product development is the process of designing and manufacturing a product undertaken by engineers. The process typically involves three main stages: Design, Product Engineering, and Development. Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) provides robust Product Development Services for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) mission area. ADM specializes in integrated concurrent development processes and functions including: Conceptual Modeling; Design & Analysis; Functional Prototyping; Electronics; Manufacturing; Inspection; Packaging; Logistics; Training; Sustainment; Technical Data Packages; and Systems Engineering / Acquisition. ADM combines the experience and capabilities of a core staff of over 125 technical specialists with leading edge technologies and world class partnerships to develop and produce superior solutions for our customers. During the two-week camp, the teacher will be developing, building, and testing the product through each functioning areas at ADM.
Understanding the Property and Activities of Adsorbent-Catalyst Materials for Protection Applications
Mentor: Dr. Christopher J. Karwacki
Mentees: Matt Matilla and Nicole Washburn
DEVECOM CBC/Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, MD
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in multiple tasks. First, participants will be given an overview of adsorbent and catalyst materials, how and why they are used in military applications, and important physical properties of these materials. Second, participants will be given an introduction to multiple characterization and analytical techniques used to measure the physical properties and activity of catalysts and adsorbent materials. Some example techniques would be infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Laboratory activities will be in general chemistry laboratories or hoods. Any work in the lab will be with non-toxic materials. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to review a sample data set from these characterization and analytical techniques and learn how to analyze the data (i.e. assignment of peaks in spectra, interpreting plots from NMR, etc.).