ISAS 2013 Academy 1: Day 5

The students' day began with a tour of the Micron facilities where they not only learned about the process used to create memory products using silicon wafers but they were also able to view different aspects of the research and development with these wafers. Students learned that the Boise site is primarily focused on research and development, in comparison to a focus on manufacturing.

Micron Technologies, Boise Idaho

Students were able to view the clean room where the wafers are created with the use of an Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS). This automated system bypasses the need for workers to be in direct contact with wafers. Pods take the wafers to and from different tools that are used in the manufacturing process.

Students were also allowed to tour the Surface Analysis Lab where tests are done on the wafers to assist research. The Analytical Chemstry Lab is where students watched acid dissolve a top layer off a wafer called Borophosphosilicate glass. This process is used to find exactly what is on the glass. And the Transmission Electron Microscope allowed  students to see what an atom looked like.

After Micron the students were able to participate in a rocket launch put on by Corey Morasch and J.C. Worthen. Students were so impressed by this launch that they formed a rocket team at the park.  This team will be a part of the program Team America Rocketry Challenge which has competitions at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

Students will be forming their own rocket club in the near future.

The students returned to the Boise State University campus to work on mission planning. With a lot of new information acquired from NASA Ames, the students had a lot to think about and discuss.

Team leaders meet to discuss the mission. 

The final presentation of the day was from former astronaut Wendy Lawrence. Her talk generated many questions about the human body in space such as, "Are there sleep disorders associated with sleeping in  micro-gravity?" Or, "Has any thought been put into changing the color scheme of the International Space Station to something more therapeutic?" And also, "Is Electromuscular stimulation an option to protect against muscular atrophy in space?" These ISAS students are daily proposing questions of incredible depth and interest.

Green Team poses with former astronaut Wendy Lawrence.

In Wendy Lawrence's presentation students from the Boise State University's Summer Research program were present to also listen to the former astronaut speak. Afterwards ISAS students had the opportunity to interact with and ask questions of these college students giving them more exposure to the opportunities they will have when they reach college.

You may be wondering if these kids have any fun time scheduled? Yes! Tonight was a special night in the Student Union Building where they had some recreation time including bowling, ping pong and pool. They appreciate the break as tomorrow will be another busy day at the Academy.

Thank you for reading and as always be sure to check out the Facebook and Twitter pages for more photos and frequent updates during the day.  And we hope to see you at the banquet on Saturday where the students are sure to be presenting an engaging and impressive final presentation. #ISAS

--Camille