Early on a recent Saturday morning, sixth graders launched 2 high altitude weather balloons in Ellensburg, WA equipped with flight computers and weather sensors built, soldered and programmed by students. The balloons made it to over 93,000 feet capturing photographs of “near space.” Recovering the balloons included a 9 mile hike and a walk through a cow pasture.

Students are now collecting and analyzing data, with plans to present findings at the STEM Day scheduled for May. (Note: Photo time stamps are inaccurate)