TAMIU Offers Space Camps for Middle and High School Students

Before heading back to school, middle and high school students can explore the wonders of the universe at Texas A&M International University's Space Camp. The Space Camp includes classroom instruction, computer laboratory investigations, physics laboratory experiments and activities, and presentations at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium.

During the first week, "Third Rock from the Sun and Beyond: the Solar System," students will learn about Earth and how it compares to other planets in the solar system, space exploration, including the icy moons of the outer solar system, and encounters with comets and asteroids. Students will also find out what it means to us on Earth to find water elsewhere in the solar system.

Week two - "Black Holes, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and All That: Stars and Galaxies" - takes students on a journey of the universe beyond the solar system by showing the differences between our sun and other stars in the universe. Students will discover stellar evolution and the consequences of that evolution for stars of different masses, explore planetary nebulae, white dwarfs, novae, supernovae, hypernovae, neutron stars and black holes. Students will delve into galaxies and discuss Einstein's theory of relativity and the curvature of spacetime.

The camp will run from July 25 through Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, Monday through Friday. Campers may sign up for one or both weeks. Fees are $200 per student, per week. This includes lunch and Planetarium fees.

Register soon. Space is limited to only 25 students.

To register, please contact Jessica Villarreal at 326.2765. For more information, e-mail jesvillarreal@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in Student Center 118.

Information on Planetarium shows and hours is available by calling 326.2444 or visiting the Web site at tamiu.edu/coas/planetarium.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu