The lab is part of the Southern New Mexico Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SNM SEMAA) developed at the university with a grant from NASA.

“The students are using science, math and engineering concepts in an applied way, which makes science and math real,” said Susan Brown, director of the academy.

During the week, the students used robotic parts to design a rover that could explore the Martian terrain, which they built outside the classroom. A small video camera was attached to the rover so the students could control it from “mission control” inside the classroom and see its progress on the simulated space terrain.

They also get to learn about and use technology such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).

“The students are doing something they normally don’t get to do in school,” said Laura Lomas, program coordinator.

Brandon Stalder, 12, of Lynn Middle School, and his teammates used their creativity to build their own design for the rover, instead of using the one suggested in the book.

“These kids genuinely get caught up in the projects and all want to be here and want to participate,” Brown said.

In 2003, the academy worked with 2,400 students in public elementary, middle and high schools in southern New Mexico. The program focuses on middle and high school students during the summer and is expanded in the fall to include children from third to sixth grade.

Brown said the program tries to get children comfortable with the idea of college so they will want to attend in the future. The program also hosts family festivals where the students show off their work and introduce their family to math, science and engineering.

Students from NMSU’s colleges of education and engineering and high school students from Families and Youth Inc. assist with the summer program.

SNM SEMAA is a combination of school-based curriculum enhancements, university-organized enrichment activities and parent outreach. The components are designed to work with each other to improve students’ achievement and increase participation in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

For more information call Brown at (505) 646-1397 or visit http://semaa.nmsu.edu.

First photo is available at http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/aerospace_01.jpg.
CUTLINE:   Brandon Stalder, 12, of Lynn Middle School builds a Mars rover during the Southern New Mexico Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SNM SEMAA) summer program at New Mexico State University. (NMSU photo by Darren Phillips)

Second photo is available at http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/aerospace_02.jpg.
CUTLINE:  Andres Garcia, 12, of Zia Middle School focuses on perfecting his rover during the Southern New Mexico Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy (SNM SEMAA) summer program at New Mexico State University. (NMSU photo by Darren Phillips)

Jennifer B. Kistler
June 24, 2004

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