collaboration with partner teachers, the undergraduates are given the chance to
test their projects with K-12 students. This culminates in a high altitude balloon
launch event at the partner teachers’ schools during the fall. The undergraduates
also have the opportunity to participate in other outreach events, test launches, and
conference presentations.
The LIFT Project runs annually while UW is in session, from January through
December. It is aimed at sophomores and juniors who are majoring in science,
engineering, and education. Students are put through a competitive application
process that takes place during the fall semester. Those chosen to participate in
LIFT form teams of about three students, typically consisting of two science or
engineering majors and one education major.
Early in the following spring semester, the teams brainstorm various ballooning
ideas which explore scientific or engineering questions, problems, or challenges.
Under the guidance of their LIFT mentors and a K-12 partner teacher, each team
chooses and starts to work on one of these projects. The teams are responsible for
designing and building their own balloon payloads, as well as developing lesson
plans and activities as part of the curriculum. Communication and collaboration,
being essential skills of good teamwork, are strongly emphasized throughout the
project. As part of a greater team the undergraduates, K-12 students and teachers
all participate in the full process of science and engineering practices.
Fig. 10.1 School students prepare to launch a high altitude balloon. Photo courtesy of
the University of Wyoming
236 Educating the Next Generation
test their projects with K-12 students. This culminates in a high altitude balloon
launch event at the partner teachers’ schools during the fall. The undergraduates
also have the opportunity to participate in other outreach events, test launches, and
conference presentations.
The LIFT Project runs annually while UW is in session, from January through
December. It is aimed at sophomores and juniors who are majoring in science,
engineering, and education. Students are put through a competitive application
process that takes place during the fall semester. Those chosen to participate in
LIFT form teams of about three students, typically consisting of two science or
engineering majors and one education major.
Early in the following spring semester, the teams brainstorm various ballooning
ideas which explore scientific or engineering questions, problems, or challenges.
Under the guidance of their LIFT mentors and a K-12 partner teacher, each team
chooses and starts to work on one of these projects. The teams are responsible for
designing and building their own balloon payloads, as well as developing lesson
plans and activities as part of the curriculum. Communication and collaboration,
being essential skills of good teamwork, are strongly emphasized throughout the
project. As part of a greater team the undergraduates, K-12 students and teachers
all participate in the full process of science and engineering practices.
Fig. 10.1 School students prepare to launch a high altitude balloon. Photo courtesy of
the University of Wyoming
236 Educating the Next Generation