AFRL announces three Summer STEM Camps Published March 30, 2015 By Jeanne Dailey Air Force Research Laboratory KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Air Force Research Laboratory La Luz Academy is gearing up for three science, technology, engineering and mathematics camps this summer. The Summer STEM Camps offer opportunities for students to take part in hands-on, minds-on STEM activities. They will work on projects that focus on technologies developed at AFRL's Directed Energy and Space Vehicles Directorates. The activities are designed to increase student interest in pursuing STEM-related studies and career paths. This year the AFRL La Luz Academy is offering three distinct camps during the month of June for students in three different age groups. All camps will take place at the AFRL La Luz Academy, 1401 Maxwell Dr. SE, Building 1900, Kirtland Air Force Base. DoD STARBASE New Mexico Camp: June 1-5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (for rising 5th and 6th grade students): engages students in hands-on, inquiry-based activities that focus on physics, chemistry, technology, engineering, mathematics operations and applications, and STEM careers. Martian Base Camp: June 15-19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (for rising 7th and 8th grade students): engages students in hands-on STEM activities to develop a Martian base complete with a Mars lander, a hydroponic garden and an inflatable habitat as employees of a solar community development group. Solar System Journey: June 22-26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (for rising 2nd to 4th grade students): takes students on a journey through our solar system by engaging them in hands-on activities like pop rockets, constellation tubes, and edible moon rovers. This will be the seventh Summer STEM Camp for fifth and sixth grade students, and the first year for second to fourth grade students and seventh and eighth grade students. Students from Kirtland families with at least one parent working at Kirtland are eligible to attend. Each class holds 28 students and students are accepted based on a first applied, first served basis. Request an application via email at AFRLLaLuzAcademyOrgMailbox@us.af.mil. For questions or additional information, email or call 505-853-8110.