Los Alamos Middle School student Cassie Salazar on the tour of the UNM College of Engineering. Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAMS students Gabriel Hamilton, Daniel Yampolsky and Witness Awuzing on the UNM College of Engineering tour. photo Courtesy LAPS
Scarlett Vialpando, Daniel Yampolsky, Bella Herrera and Karlee Dowdy check out the Formula SAE car at the UNM College of Engineering. Courtesy LAPS
Bella Herrera and Karlee Dowdy take a break during the UNM College of Engineering tour. Courtesy LAPS
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Forty students from Los Alamos Middle School (LAMS) recently had a hands-on opportunity to explore the frontiers of science and engineering during a field trip to the University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Engineering. The trip was designed to connect the concepts taught in LAMS’s computer science, robotics, and engineering classes with real-world applications, future career paths, and educational opportunities.
Students engaged in a range of activities that provided a unique glimpse into the life of a college engineering student. They also participated in demonstrations of civil engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.
They were especially fascinated by a tiny, 5-watt nuclear reactor, learning about power generation and nuclear safety in an accessible way. (The reactor was not in operation during the tour.) One student cited the reactor as the best part of the visit adding, “They showed us how radiation works.” Students were surprised to learn that a nuclear reactor could be so small.
Following up on the topic of generating electricity, students participated in a hands-on session building circuits, reinforcing lessons on fundamental electronics. “I learned about circuits and how to make one,” remarked another student.
For several students, the best part of the day was a virtual reality bicycle simulator. Students rode the simulator bicycle while virtually navigating traffic in the busy streets of Albuquerque. They learned the benefits of using virtual reality as a method for studying traffic safety. One student who liked the VR simulator commented, “The VR technology was very advanced.” The group toured the facilities where the UNM team designs and builds their Formula SAE race cars, getting up close with high-performance automotive engineering.
In addition to the technical exhibits, the students experienced a taste of campus life, including a relaxing stop at the iconic duck pond. The field trip was especially engaging thanks to a pizza lunch provided by UNM through a grant, fueling the students for their busy day of exploration.
The field trip directly supported the curriculum goals of LAMS’s technology-focused courses. “Seeing advanced engineering concepts in action, from tiny reactors to high-speed race cars, truly ignites a passion for STEM in our students,” observed Dr. Brent Collom, the Engineering Design teacher at the middle school. Erin Breneman, who teaches computer science courses at LAMS, noted, “This experience reinforces the importance of the skills they are learning in their computer science, robotics, and engineering classes and helps them visualize their potential academic and professional futures.”
LAMS provides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum, including robust offerings in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), designed to prepare students for success in high school and beyond, and is committed to providing enriching educational experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.