Project Payload
We anticipate that Project Payload will be on campus in Summer 2023, assuming COVID continues to improve; all students accepted in Project Payload will need to fully comply with LA County COVID protocols. More information here.
Project Payload Summer Program
During this program, middle school students will authentically experience science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through rocket design, payloads, satellites, and Arduino programming. Participants will design, build and launch their rockets and high-altitude balloon sensor device at STARBASE in Los Alamitos. The camp will include demonstrations and lessons, hands-on projects and group work, and time for connecting and sharing with peers in a fun, engaging environment.
In alignment with USC's commitment to access and opportunity, the K12 STEM Center is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in the STEM fields.
The K-12 STEM Center develops strategies and builds initiatives to meet the needs of a diverse population, specifically in efforts to increase the representation of female students and African American/Black, Hispanic/LatinX, Native/Indigenous students in its STEM programs, such as Project Payload.Some of those efforts include outreach, mentorship, and scholarships. However, all STEM Center programs are open to all students in compliance with Federal and State law, as well as University policy.
Project Payload Summer Session will be presented in two phases:
Phase 1
- Students will use the scientific method to design an experiment using ArduSat, an Arduino-based Nano-satellite based on the CubeSat standard.
- Students will use the engineering design process to create a rocket design using RockSim
Phase 2
- Students will configure and launch their high-altitude balloon sensor to make the measurements for their experiment.
Cost: Free
Date: July 17 to July 28, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: USC Main Campus
Who: Middle school (rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders)
APPLICATION DEADLINE
April 30, 2023
Part 1: Student Application
Part 2: Teacher Recommendation
Note: Middle School Students that are applying for Summer Engineering Camp & Project Payload are automatically considered for Energy of STEM as their second backup option.
Sponsored by Jordan Noone ’14, Jenna Bryant, and Embedded Ventures
Project Payload Winter Program
USC's commitment to access and opportunity, the K12 STEM Center is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) in the STEM fields.
The K-12 STEM Center develops strategies and builds initiatives to meet the needs of a diverse population, specifically in efforts to increase the representation of female students and African American/Black, Hispanic/LatinX, Native/Indigenous students in its STEM programs, such as Project Payload.Some of those efforts include outreach, mentorship, and scholarships. However, all STEM Center programs are open to all students in compliance with Federal and State law, as well as University policy.
Project Payload Winter Session will be presented in one phase:
- Students will use the scientific method to design an experiment using ArduSat, an Arduino-based Nano-satellite based on the CubeSat standard.
- Students will configure and launch their high-altitude balloon sensor to make the measurements for their experiment and payload.
Cost: Free
Date: December 19th - December 23rd
Time: 9 am - 4 pm*
Where: University of Southern California and STARBASE Los Alamitos (Transportation will be provided)
Who: Middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th graders for the 22-23 school year)
APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Sponsored by Central Intelligence Agency, United States of America
Learn More
USC Camp Gets Teens Interested in STEM Careers
At USC’s Project Payload camp, middle school students get a lesson in STEM – that’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. “They’re testing the forces of gravity, they’re learning about kinetic energy, potential energy,” said Anne Areta, Director of Project Payload.
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