This page describes USA Aloft's Young Scientist series course content. Unless otherwise noted, courses are available as school programs or for a general audience. See those summary pages for details on costs and registration procedures.
The USA Aloft Spring 2009 School Program Flyer is available for download as a PDF. Information on other current programs from the Massabesic Audubon Center may be found at their web site above or at a download page maintained by USA Aloft as a convenience for Center patrons.
USA Aloft believes strongly in the importance of a strong science background for today's youth. Our place in the world of the 21st century will be determined by our access to a pool of young talent, well rounded in all subject areas and well founded in the sciences. This series is designed to provide an early start for teens into the world of science. The instructor for the series, David Saxe, has worked throughout his life in a highly technical environment, applying that technology to a variety of scientific areas including statistics, mathematics, psychometrics, astrophysics and computer science. Mr. Saxe has not forgotten nor neglected the appreciation of the natural world taught by his parents. His father, a zoologist with experience in botany and geology, made every venture from the home into a learning experience about the flora, fauna and environment. His mother, Martha L. Saxe, a musician and artist, insured that his scientific view of the world was tempered through the eyes of an artist. Mr. Saxe comments, "I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work closely with an array of world-class scientists across a number of fields. I am hoping that with this series, I may be able to convey some of the advantages that benefited me to a young generation."
Targeted at a teen audience, this course will introduce object oriented programming (OOP) techniques, design and implement OOP tools and apply them to a body of scientific data. Throughout, the application of the techniques to real world scientific problems will be stressed. Prerequisites are knowledge of the Java programming language or a demonstrated ability with another programming language. An interest in science is expected. We will not be teaching the Java language, but some limited assistance will be available. The course will meet twice weekly for three hours for ten weeks (60 hours.) An outside study commitment will be required. Presently this course is only available at Massabesic Audubon Center in Auburn, NH. If you are within a short drive from that center and wish to have the course offered at your facility, please contact USA Aloft.
Other Resources
We have not selected a scientific problem yet for this summer's course. Some areas under
consideration are a body of astronomy data, bird observational data or perhaps
a mapping (GIS) problem.
Students wishing to enter this course who lack the Java language background should contact
USA Aloft. If you have programming experience you may qualify or be
able to learn the language along with the material. Don't be scared off.
Assume the challenge. We can offer reading material suggestions and may
even be able to provide some tutelage prior to the course.
Call to schedule at Massabesic
Audubon Center. $550 Member/$700 Non Member1
1. At the time this information was prepared, membership in Audubon Society of New Hampshire is $39/year for individuals and $55/year for families. Please contact the Massabesic Audubon Center for the latest costs and membership information.