April 2025

STEMming to the Stratosphere!

With creativity and scientific curiosity at the core, this project literally takes student research to new heights!

🎈🌤️On April 9, students in TED/STEM 2800: Science Experimentation and Engineering Design (SEED) successfully launched their high-altitude balloon flight from the Pep Bowl on UNO’s Dodge Campus. The flight carried student-designed near-space experiments (NSEs) to an impressive 77,590 feet—more than 14.5 miles into the sky—using a 1200 g latex weather balloon.

The balloon was tracked in real-time via a SPOT GPS tracker, and onboard conditions were recorded using a PTERODACTYL multi-sensor/datalogger. After reaching peak altitude, the payload descended safely under a nylon parachute, landing just south of Brooks, Iowa.

💐🐊⌚Four student teams—15 students in total—designed and launched experiments using a range of subjects, including pansies, time, leeches, alligator feed, glow sticks, lip balm, solar panels, and carbonation pressure. The mission also collected readings of ionizing radiation in near-space.

This Science Experimentation and Engineering Design course gives students the opportunity to:

• Apply scientific and engineering principles to real-world experimentation 📝

• Understand and incorporate design requirements into their projects

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data from their near-space experiments 📊🔍

• Communicate results, offer recommendations, and propose future research efforts

Through hands-on exploration and bold experimentation, students in TED/STEM 2800 push the boundaries of classroom learning—launching their ideas into the stratosphere and bringing back not just data, but a deeper understanding of the scientific process. From conception to recovery, their journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. The sky is no longer the limit—it's just the beginning. 🌌🧪📡

Announcements

Science, Robots, and Rockets- Oh My! Camp Is Almost Full! 

🌞 STEM + Fun = The Perfect Summer!

Get ready for a summer your child will never forget at Aim for the Stars summer camps! Whether your kid is wild about animals, fascinated by outer space, loves to build and explore, or wants to create colorful masterpieces, we’ve got a camp just for them.

🔍 Animal lovers? We’ve got camps focused on the environment and wildlife.
🎨 Budding artists? There’s a creative space waiting!
🧪 Mini scientists and curious chemists? We’re ready to experiment!
🦖 Future zoologists, astronauts, and strategists? They’ll feel right at home.
🏀 Got an active kid who loves sports? We’ve got them covered too!

No matter your child’s passion, there’s an Aim for the Stars camp that will spark their imagination, fuel their curiosity, and fill their summer with hands-on fun and unforgettable memories.

But don’t wait—there are only a few spots left and summer is just around the corner!

Amp Up the Energy- Volunteer at Science Olympiad National Tournament! 

Be Part of Something Big This Memorial Day Weekend

This Memorial Day weekend (May 23–24), the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will host the Science Olympiad National Tournament, welcoming the brightest middle and high school STEM minds from across the country. It’s an exciting opportunity to see what the University of Nebraska has to offer—and connect with the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators!

We’re looking for volunteers to help make this event unforgettable. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a whole day, your time can make a huge difference!

Here’s how you can help:

• 🛠️ Event Prep: Assist with planning, organizing materials, and preparing the campus.

• 📍 Day-of Support: Greet guests, guide teams, manage logistics, and support registration.

• 🎓 Campus Ambassadors: Lead tours and share your UNL experience with students and families.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome! To sign up, visit:
👉 nationalscienceolympiad2025.org/volunteers
Or contact Jordan Slagle at jslagle10@unl.edu for more info.

Help us celebrate STEM and inspire the future—one experiment at a time!

Thank You Board of Regents! 

💡STEM TRAIL Center Welcomes Board of Regents

On April 11, 2025, the STEM TRAIL Center was honored to host the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for their official meeting. It was a pleasure to welcome the Regents and guests into our space and share a glimpse of our facility, mission, and the impactful work happening here.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and hope you enjoyed your visit and left with a deeper understanding of how we support STEM education, innovation, and outreach.

Thank you for being part of a memorable day at the STEM TRAIL Center!