WHAT IS DETECTS?

DETECTS is a nine-week, high-altitude balloon project geared toward middle and high school students. This project requires students to perform a scientific experiment with the high-altitude weather balloons and analyze the data collected. Students will learn about atmospheric science, experimentation and measurement processes, and data interpretation using computer tools. At the end of the project, local students will be invited to present their findings at a science fair-style poster session at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. 

DETECTS is offered twice in both the Fall and Spring semesters – each nine-weeks has the same content and their own competition. 

DETECTS is a free STEM outreach program based at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Provided: Balloon equipment and detailed launch instructions & video, online notebook, video lesson guides, 2-3 engagements with UAH personnel (virtual/in-person), email support.

Topics Addressed: Atmospheric science, predictions, data analysis, measurement, & communication.

Grade Level: 6-12

Project Length: 9 weeks, ~50 minutes per week, same content for both Fall/Spring