Igniting Curiosity: Particle Detection at Tech Trek STEM Camp

This summer at Tech Trek, we graduate students and staff from the Center for Space Plasma and
Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) had the exciting opportunity to lead a hands-on STEM workshop
in partnership with IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe) for 64 rising 8th-grade
girls coming from multiple cities across the state of Alabama. We dove into particle detection
and the boundaries of our solar system, all through a fun and interactive activity.
Hosted on the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) campus, our goal was to inspire,
educate, and instill curiosity and confidence in the next generation of women in STEM. While
many students came in thinking the solar system ends at Pluto, we challenged that idea with an
introduction to more advanced space science concepts.

To kick off the workshop, we introduced participants to IMAP, our collaboration with the
mission team, and shared details about the upcoming spacecraft launch scheduled for September.
We explained the purpose of IMAP and how it will collect data at the very edge of the solar
system.

We then explored the science of particle detection, explaining how scientists track and study
charged particles flowing from the Sun. These particles, known as the solar wind, form the
heliosphere, a vast, invisible magnetic bubble surrounding our solar system. Through this
activity, students gained hands-on insight into how spacecraft like IMAP use particle detection to
understand the universe beyond our solar neighborhood. More than just learning about science,
they were empowered to ask questions, engage with real-world research, and see themselves as
future leaders in STEM.

What made this activity was especially impactful was how it aligned with Tech Trek’s mission
to ignite a spark in girls through immersive STEM experiences. As they asked thoughtful
questions and participated in the experiments, you we could see that spark growing brighter. For
many, this was their first time meeting women in STEM careers, stepping onto a college campus,
or being introduced to the idea that they, too, could help solve the mysteries of the universe. This
workshop was more than just a lesson; it was a spark. And if even one student walked
away inspired to explore deeper into science, we know we’ve done our job.