Daily Activities and presentations-Week 2
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Monday June 15, 2026
Monday June 15, 2026
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
Come get some hot chocolate, coffee, and muffins!
9:00-9:15 AM Welcome Back Ice Breaker!
9:00-9:15 AM Welcome Back Ice Breaker!
How was your weekend? Chit chat with your friends while we start a new week!
9:15-10:30 AM Intro to Modeling!
9:15-10:30 AM Intro to Modeling!
Have you ever wondered how scientists predict the weather, recommend your next favorite video, or estimate how a disease might spread through a community? They use models—simplified versions of the real world built with math, data, computers, and sometimes artificial intelligence. Models help us explore "what if" questions, test ideas safely, and make better decisions about complex problems. In this session, we'll see how different kinds of modeling work and then dive into a real-world example: understanding disease spread through mathematical epidemiology.
Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
BS in Computer Science
Postdoc, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Epidemiology Model Exploration Using NetLogo.pdf10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
Didn't you miss this? I think it's time for an out-break! Take your 15 minutes, and then it's time for some popsicle sticks!
10:45-11:30 AM Popsicle Stick Challenge!
10:45-11:30 AM Popsicle Stick Challenge!
The popsicle stick engineering challenge is a STEM-based activity in which students design, construct, and test structures or devices using popsicle sticks and limited materials such as glue, tape, or rubber bands. Challenges may involve building a bridge that can support weight, a tower that reaches a specific height, or a mechanism capable of launching an object. Through the design and testing process, students apply engineering principles, including structural stability, force distribution, and problem-solving strategies. The activity also promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and iterative design, making it an engaging introduction to real-world engineering practices.
Computer Science, Undergraduate Student
She has worked in shock physics, emergency management, experimental settings, global security areas, and business management. She has been at the lab for almost 22 years.
Postdoc, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
EngineeringandPopsicleSticks.pdfBridge Building 2026.pdf11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
You’ve earned a break—no strings, tape, or rubber bands attached! So let's get to the cafeteria and eat some beef tacos!
12:15-2:15 PM AI and Machine Learning
12:15-2:15 PM AI and Machine Learning
Postdoctoral Physicist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
SPC - AI and ML slides Adam.pdfAIandMachineLearning.pdfSPC - Cheat Sheet for AI-ML Hexapawn - Joan Lucas.pdfSPC - Cheat Sheet for Teachable Machine - Joan Lucas.pdf2:15-2:30 PM Break!
2:15-2:30 PM Break!
Machine learning is so cool! Let's take a 15-minute brain break and think about what you need to do for your project.
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
PhD student in light physics at the University of Arizona, studying sensors with an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Go with Pascale if you want to make a homestead!
Lead Educator at SPCYW, NGSS Curriculum Developer, and Science teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, Hawaii
Introduction to Robotic Hand Project & Characters.pptxOhana Project - Wiring your Solar Array.pdfTuesday June 16, 2026
Tuesday June 16, 2026
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
Come get some hot chocolate, coffee, and muffins!
9:00 AM -10:30 AM
9:00 AM -10:30 AM
Sandia Robotics!
Sandia Robotics!
Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia National Laboratories
Computer Scientist for Sandia National Laboratories: 2022- present
Computer Science and Physics Intern for Navy-DoD: 2016-2022
B.S Computer Science, California State University – Channel Islands: 2021
C72F2C23-4BA7-465E-80B9-84B1A3FB0B1F.mp466780C24-D5E7-41B4-9F43-B1BEADBAEFF8.mp410:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
Those robots might not need food to be able to move as they do, but humans do! Take your 15-minutes and get some snacks and chit chat with your friends.
10:45 AM -11:30 AM
10:45 AM -11:30 AM
Space - The Final Frontier
Space - The Final Frontier
What country(s) own space, the moon, and other celestial bodies and planets? Who (if anybody) is legally responsible for incidents resulting from failing satellites or crashes between satellites? Who is legally responsible for cleaning up the debris in space from the more than 4000 new satellites launched into space each year.
Trial Attorney, Bluff & Associates
Theresa V Montoya, Email: tmontoya@lanl.gov
R&D Mechanical Engineer, Los Alamos National Laboratory
GuyBluff.pdf11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
If they don't have Chicken Pot Pie in Space, they should! Head over to the cafeteria and get some and you can prepare for your mock interview.
12:15-2:15 PM Mock Interviews
12:15-2:15 PM Mock Interviews
K-12 STEM Education Outreach Specialist, Community Partnerships Office (CPO), Los Alamos National Laboratory
Education & Outreach Program Manager, High School Internships & Sponsored Programs, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Community Involvement - STEM Outreach Program Coordinator at Sandia National Laboratories
Public relations professional, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Public relations professional, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Public relations professional, Los Alamos National Laboratory
SPCYW 2024 Mock Interview Lesson Plan.docxSandiaValuesBehaviors_102621.pdfSTAR Method .pptx2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
PhD student in light physics at the University of Arizona, studying sensors with an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Go with Pascale if you want to make a homestead!
Lead Educator at SPCYW, NGSS Curriculum Developer, and Science teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, Hawaii
Introduction to Robotic Hand Project & Characters.pptxOhana Project Overview .pdfWednesday June 17, 2026
Wednesday June 17, 2026
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
Come get some hot chocolate, coffee, and muffins!
9:00-10:30 AM Astronomy and Spectroscopy
9:00-10:30 AM Astronomy and Spectroscopy
New Mexico School for the Arts
New Mexico School for the Arts
Santa Fe Prep
Santa Fe Prep
Spectroscopy.pdfTheColorsOfTheUniverse.pdf10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:45-11:30 AM Building a spectroscope
10:45-11:30 AM Building a spectroscope
Lead Educator at SPCYW, NGSS Curriculum Developer, and Science teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, Hawaii
Light Fantastic-MakingUsing Spectroscope.pdf11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
I hope you've worked up an appetite because today we have burgers! You can even add green chili and bacon! Then we can learn all about which trees would do better is Hilo or which ones would love New Mexico.
2:15-2:15 PM Thirsty trees: The links between plant structure, function, and growth habitat
2:15-2:15 PM Thirsty trees: The links between plant structure, function, and growth habitat
We will set up and conduct hands-on measurements of the hydraulic conductivity of trees and soil nutrient content for different samples, and discuss how the environment affects which plants can grow in different areas and how plants have adapted to their environments.
Environmental Physicist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Environmental Physicist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Fluid Conductivity in Plants2026.pdfThirstyTrees.pdf2:15-2:30 PM Break!
2:15-2:30 PM Break!
Trees are so cool! Take 15-minutes and think about which trees might be easier for you to grow.
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
PhD student in light physics at the University of Arizona, studying sensors with an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Go with Pascale if you want to make a homestead!
Lead Educator at SPCYW, NGSS Curriculum Developer, and Science teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, Hawaii
Introduction to Robotic Hand Project & Characters.pptxOhana Project Overview .pdfThursday June 18, 2026
Thursday June 18, 2026
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
Come get some hot chocolate, coffee, and muffins!
9:00-10:15 Classifying Astrophysical Transients
9:00-10:15 Classifying Astrophysical Transients
Astrophysical "transients" display dramatic changes in brightness over a short period of time. Examples of transients include exploding stars, pulsating stars, and active black holes. Using data from survey telescopes that monitor the sky, student teams will compete to quickly and reliably identify transients.
Astronomer at LANL
Astronomer at LANL
Learning Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Learning Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
AnnaLisa Maestas Email: almaestas@lanl.gov
Information Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
slides for final activity.pdfbonus_events.pdfBeamline for Schools Presentation Physics Summer Camp (1).pdf10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
Imagine living on Mars! Take a 15-minute break and think about what you might do if you ever went to mars?
10:45-11:30 Financial Literacy
10:45-11:30 Financial Literacy
Mathematician, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Mathematician, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Mathematician, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Mathematician, Los Alamos National Laboratory
AnnaLisa Maestas Email: almaestas@lanl.gov
Information Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Vehicle_Buying_101_Presentation.pdfFinancial Advisor Cheat Sheet.pdfVehicle Buying 101 – A Dealership Encounter.pdfFinancial_Literacy_Car-Buying-Scenario - ddawgncc.docx.pdf11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch!
I wonder how much today's lunch will cost? Today we have a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup!
12:15-1:15 PM Radioactivity and Cloud Chambers
12:15-1:15 PM Radioactivity and Cloud Chambers
Deacon Law, Email: deaconrlaw@lanl.gov
Deacon Law, Email: deaconrlaw@lanl.gov
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Hubert Van Hecke, Email: hubertvh@gmail.com
Hubert Van Hecke, Email: hubertvh@gmail.com
Nuclear Physicist (R)
Christine War, Email: cwar@lanl.gov
Christine War, Email: cwar@lanl.gov
Nuclear Physicist (R)
Learning Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Learning Specialist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Radiation Protection (RDPR) is an exciting field of study with many local, national, and international job opportunities. A Radiation Control Technician (RCT) works to ensure the safe handling and operation of radioactive materials or radiation-generating equipment. RCTs are a pivotal part of any facility that works with these materials, including medical and physical research labs, nuclear power production, environmental cleanup, and more. RCTs measure radiological conditions and levels and are always in high demand.
People who enjoy working as part of a team are well-suited for RCT work. RCTs must be detail-oriented and are often called upon to solve problems. Being an RCT involves active physical work, and RCTs typically perform a wide variety of tasks each day.
Protect workers, the public, and the environment from radiological hazards
Calculate radiological doses and ensure compliance with regulations
Conduct radiological surveillance
Oversee contamination control and environmental cleanup
M&Ms activity_2022.pptxWorking as a Scientist in the Radiation Protection field - Internal Dosimetry_final.pptxCrit Safety Engineer - presentation at physics camp.pptxBuilding a cloud chamber
Building a cloud chamber
Short, fat tracks: When we see short, fat tracks, we’re seeing an atmospheric radon atom spitting out an alpha particle (a clump of two protons and two neutrons). Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive element, but it exists in such low concentrations in the air that it is less radioactive than peanut butter. Alpha particles spat out of radon atoms are bulky and low-energy, so they leave short, fat tracks.
Long, straight track: These are muons! Muons are the heavier cousins of the electron and are produced when a cosmic ray bumps into an atmospheric molecule high up in the atmosphere. Because they are so massive, muons bludgeon their way through the air and leave clean, straight tracks.
Zig-zags and curly-cues: These are either an electron or positron (the electron’s anti-matter twin). Electrons and positrons are created when a cosmic ray crashes into atmospheric molecules. Electrons and positrons are light particles and bounce around when they hit air molecules, leaving zig-zags and curly-cues.
Forked tracks: If the track splits, we can deduce two things: either we just saw a particle decay or we saw ionization of an atom. Many particles are unstable and will decay into more stable particles. It can also be a possibility that some particle has just knocked off an electron from an atom and that electron forms a track of its own whereas the particle gets deflected towards some other side.
A small reactor to bring power to remote locations.mp4PWR_nuclear_power_plant_animation.webm.480p.vp9.webm2:15-2:30 PM Break!
2:15-2:30 PM Break!
Weren't those cloud chambers so cool! Take a break and then get ready for your last full afternoon to work on your projects!
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
2:30-4:15 PM Project Time!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
Join Alex to make your own robot hand!
PhD student in light physics at the University of Arizona, studying sensors with an undergraduate degree in electrical and computer engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Go with Pascale if you want to make a homestead!
Lead Educator at SPCYW, NGSS Curriculum Developer, and Science teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, Hawaii
Introduction to Robotic Hand Project & Characters.pptxOhana Project Overview .pdfFriday June 19, 2026
Friday June 19, 2026
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
8:30-9:00 AM Breakfast!
Come get some hot chocolate, coffee, and muffins!
9:00-10:30 AM Bio-Med Engineering and Heart Rate Monitor
9:00-10:30 AM Bio-Med Engineering and Heart Rate Monitor
R&D Engineer, Operations Integration Center
B.S. in Computer Engineering, Northeastern University; M.S. in Industrial Engineering, Binghamton University; Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Binghamton University
Cicita Tafoya
Cicita Tafoya
Recent graduate of Piedra Vista High School, attending San Juan College for Biology in the fall
Email: cicitatafoya32@gmail.com
Explore concepts of Biomedical Engineering by demonstrating the real-world applications of engineering principles in healthcare. Using Arduino microcontrollers and sensors, you will create a heart rate monitoring system.
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:30-10:45 AM Break!
10:45-11:30 AM 10:45-11:30 PM College FAIR/Student Intern Programs/Networking.
10:45-11:30 AM 10:45-11:30 PM College FAIR/Student Intern Programs/Networking.
Join our college fair to explore local colleges and discover the perfect fit for your future. Meet with admissions representatives, gather information on programs, and get answers to your questions—all in one convenient location.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Student Programs
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Student Programs
Northern New Mexico College Overview (1).pptxDepartment of Engineering and Technology Presentation Summer Physics Camp.pdf2022-NMSU-LANL.pdfSTEM Presentation.pptxGeneral Admission Presentation 2021.pdfWestern Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement among WICHE’s 16 member states and territories, through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide steep nonresident tuition savings for Western students (150% of IN-STATE tuition).
-Many Dual Credit classes at SFCC can transfer to schools outside of New Mexico. Make sure to work with whatever college you are interested in attending to ensure that your Dual Credit classes transfer. Many of the general education classes (English, Math, Science, some Humanities) should indeed transfer. Again make sure to check with the admissions office of any college you are interested in attending.
-Some classes at SFCC do indeed offer opportunities to study abroad. For example, we have had Art History classes where you can study abroad in Greece. We have had Culinary Arts students who have had the opportunity to study in countries such as Italy, France, and Mexico. We also have Spanish classes where you study in Oaxaca. Great question
- NMSU has study abroad opportunities across the globe. To lookup specific programs, see https://oel.nmsu.edu/educationabroad/
-NMSU's Western Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition Discount: Residents from participating states (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, ND, NV, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY, Guam and the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) who are also US Citizens or Permanent Resident receive $14,386 per academic year toward reducing non-resident tuition
-SFCC, NNMC, NMT, NMSU free counseling on campus
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch
11:30-12:15 PM Lunch
It's your last day eating with us! So we are going to be having chicken and cheese wraps, talk to your friends or volunteers and be ready to present your project!
12:15-1:00 PM Finish your Projects!
12:15-1:00 PM Finish your Projects!
Put the finishing touches on your projects and head to the presentation room.
1:00-1:15 PM Break!
1:00-1:15 PM Break!
1:00-1:30 Meet Los Alamos National Laboratory Director
1:00-1:30 Meet Los Alamos National Laboratory Director
Thom Mason
Thom Mason
Los Alamos National Laboratory Director
President and CEO of Triad National Security, LLC (Triad) and serves as the Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Most recently he was the Senior Vice President for Global Laboratory Operations at Battelle where he had responsibility for governance and strategy across the six National Laboratories that Battelle manages or co-manages.
Prior to joining Battelle, Thom worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for 19 years, including 10 years as the Laboratory Director. Under his leadership, ORNL saw significant growth in programs, new facilities, and hiring while achieving record low safety incident rates.
Before becoming Laboratory Director, he was Associate Laboratory Director (ALD) for Neutron Sciences, ALD for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), and Director of the Experimental Facilities Division.
During his time in Oak Ridge, Thom was active in the community serving as Chair of the Oak Ridge Public Schools Education Foundation as well as Innovation Valley, the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area regional economic development organization.
He moved to ORNL from the University of Toronto where he was a faculty member in the Department of Physics and previously worked as a Senior Scientist at Risø National Laboratory and a Postdoc at AT&T Bell Laboratories.
For the past 30 years, he has been involved in the design and construction of scientific instrumentation and facilities and the application of nuclear, computing, and materials sciences to solve important challenges in energy and national security.
Thom has a Ph.D. in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics from McMaster University and a BSc in Physics from Dalhousie University.
Thom Mason Physics Camp message.mp4Thom Mason - SPCYW.mp42:30-3:30 PM Presentation time!
2:30-3:30 PM Presentation time!
Break Van De Graaff Demo
Break Van De Graaff Demo
This machine was invented by Robert Van de Graaff, born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1901. Machines like this, but much larger, were used in nuclear physics research to accelerate particles. Many are in use to this day.
There is a Van de Graaff airport in Tuscaloosa, but it is not named after Robert, but after Hargrove Van de Graaff, a football player.
There is a Van de Graaff airport in Tuscaloosa, but it is not named after Robert, but after Hargrove Van de Graaff, a football player.
SPCYW 2024 Growth Mindset_Self-Awareness Presentation.pdf4:15-4:30 PM Clean and Pack Up!
4:15-4:30 PM Clean and Pack Up!
"Women of Los Alamos: Women’s Contributions to the Laboratory"
"Women of Los Alamos: Women’s Contributions to the Laboratory"
Historian/Research Specialist at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Historian/Research Specialist at Los Alamos National Laboratory
Women's Hist Physics Summer Camp (LA-UR-23-25402).pptxWomen's Hist Physics Summer Camp (LA-UR-23-25402).pdfPhysics Camp (06_12_23).pdf
Cognitive Distortions.pdfChallenge Automatic Negative Thoughts Worksheet.pdfPage updated
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