Vanderbilt Physics and Astronomy graduate student Billy Teets uses liquid nitrogen in a cryogenics demonstration for campers.

Around 75 local students are receiving specialized instruction in space, astronomy and aviation this summer at the Space Exploration Science Camp hosted by Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Conducted during three week-long sessions open to 5th- and 6th-graders and 7th- and 8th-graders, respectively, the camp includes hands-on activities such as constructing a device to protect a launched egg and launching rockets. Dyer worked with Metro school officials to identify the district’s top middle school science students, 45 of whom were awarded scholarships funded by a NASA Hubble Space Telescope grant to attend the camp. Dyer also conducts summer workshops in astronomy for Tennessee teachers. Above, Vanderbilt physics and astronomy graduate student Billy Teets uses liquid nitrogen in a cryogenics demonstration for campers.

_{Posted 07/30/06}