Science Education

Student Science Enrichment Program

Program

Quickfacts

Program

The Mars Outreach for North Carolina Students (MONS) project is a year-round program for 60 high school students. The MONS project allows students to take an active role in the study of Mars. Participants are selected from high schools in the Durham Public School System, as well as Durham Academy. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide an exciting opportunity that one day might prove to be a gateway for participants into career paths related to space science. Students are mentored by Dr. Jeff Moersch of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, who is actively involved in NASA’s ongoing study of Mars. Students participate in one of two research projects. During the school year, students are engaged in instructional, inquiry-based activities to learn fundamental skills needed for the projects, as well begin sample preparation and data gathering activities. A five week summer session provides students with the opportunity to complete their projects in teams, interpret results from data collection, and prepare professional abstracts. The following year, students serve as mentors to other MONS students and possibly present their work at national conferences.

Program dates: year round

Open to: high school students in Durham Public Schools and Durham Academy

Format: five-week summer day camp and academic year follow-up sessions

Contact:
Howard Lineberger
Teacher
Durham Academy
3601 Ridge Road
Durham, NC 27705-5599

Phone: 919/489-6569
Fax: 919/489-7356

Related Link:
Durham Academy