Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) is a STEM program designed to help Idaho juniors learn about the field of aerospace.
The program was brought to Idaho in 2010 by NASA astronaut Barbara Morgan, inspired by the related aerospace program available in Texas.
There are now five different states with high school science and aerospace programs, explained Andrea Baerwald, the Idaho Department of Education coordinator for ISAS.
ISAS provides juniors across Idaho with an asynchronous online course and the opportunity to attend a week-long summer academy at the University of Idaho in northern Idaho.
The online portion takes place during the spring semester and consists of eight units, a course-wide group project, and student discussion boards.
This year, around 125 students are enrolled in ISAS, said Baerwald. Of those students, 80 will be selected to participate in the summer academy at the University of Idaho in Moscow. Students are eligible for the academy based on grades and both course and assignment completion.
The group project involves students collaborating to develop a manned spacecraft. Students learn what it takes to conduct an interplanetary mission and apply those ideas to their own design for a simulated mission to Mars.
“The CEV [crew exploration vehicle] project has stuck out to me the most. I think it’s a really good opportunity to work on projects like a real engineer and undergo the same communication problems you can run into while in the workforce,” said William Edwards, a Canyon Ridge junior taking the program.
Those who are selected for the summer academy, which is free to students, will be invited to travel to the University of Idaho for one week. This year, the ISAS academy will take place during the last two weeks of July, allowing two groups of 40 students to attend.
At the summer academy, students have the opportunity to continue learning from educators and professionals in STEM and aerospace.
Students self-select into one of four groups and apply their learning to a simulated human mission to Mars, explained Baerwald. Each group is focused around a different key aspect of the mission, including mission logistics, travel to Mars, life support for the crew, and the research that will be conducted there.
ISAS is an excellent opportunity to learn about aerospace and STEM. The program provides exposure to educators and established members of the field, helping students develop their networks and opening the door for future opportunities, said Baerwald.
“I wanted to enroll because I always had a passion for space– for STEM in general… but also I know that summer programs and internships look good for colleges, and if I want to apply to a college, it’d just be good to have under my belt,” said Kitt Schuerman, another Canyon Ridge junior participating in ISAS.
The program aims to help students become forward-looking innovators, explained Baerwald. Students are able to explore and deepen their involvement in STEM through ISAS, even if they do not pursue engineering or aerospace.
Additionally, students receive high school credit for completing the course, and students attending the summer academy receive dual credit.
