Published: July 21, 2008 10:19 am         

FSU Physics Camp

Middle-schoolers keep busy with solar, wind projects at university's physics camp

FROSTBURG - Experimenting with solar and wind energy at the Maryland Summer Center for Physics was fun for a group of academically advanced middle school students from across the state.

"I really liked when we made mini wind turbines and tested them in the wind tunnel," said Emily Yearling, a seventh-grader from Frostburg who wants to become an engineer.

Yearling was one of 24 students accepted into the program for gifted and talented students sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education.

"These students have been great - they were chosen from 71 applicants across the state," said Hang Deng-Luzader, an FSU physics professor and summer center instructor.

Throughout the week, the students studied concepts of wind and solar energy, conducted experiments, visited the FSU wind and solar WISE system at the Fuller House, and gave researched presentations.

"It was a very intense week," said Luzader. "I hope they stay interested and see that physics can be fun."

"My favorite part was calibrating the wind tunnel - I really love science and math, and this seemed like a fun thing to do over the summer," said Clark Butler, an eighth-grader from Abigton who is contemplating becoming a scientist or a doctor.

The wind tunnel was also a highlight for Makea Luzader, a sixth-grader from Frostburg who enjoys writing and science.

"I liked making the little wind turbines and checking the solar panels," said Luzader, who prepared a presentation on Om's law.

"I liked making the PowerPoint on the environmental impacts of wind turbines," said Josh Mallow, a Cumberland seventh-grader who hopes to someday work for NASA.

Mallow said he learned a great deal about the physics of wind and solar energy at the weeklong summer center.

The program was also a worthwhile experience for Kasper Nilsson, a freshman from Ellicott City who is thinking abut becoming an architect, a lawyer or a businessman.

"I thought this was a promising field, and it could be good for businesses in the future," said Nilsson.

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.