Physics of the Atmosphere: Wonders of the Sky

Physics of the Atmosphere: Wonders of the Sky

The Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) at UMBC offers middle and high school students a unique, engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience. With a diverse range of one-week workshops and courses, SEA immerses students in the world of science, engineering, technology, the arts, and humanities—all led by UMBC faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students.

SEA's college-style experiences are designed to inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves in ways they won’t find anywhere else.

In Physics of the Atmosphere Wonders of the Sky, students will discover the science behind the breathtaking phenomena of our atmosphere. Participants will explore how clouds form, why rainbows appear, and what makes sunsets so colorful. THey will learn about the physics of light, weather, and optical illusions in the sky through engaging activities and demonstrations. This course offers a captivating look at the forces and principles shaping the skies above us, perfect for curious high school students eager to understand the world around them.

SEA's college-style experiences are designed to inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves in ways they won’t find anywhere else.

In this experience, learners will explore philosophy in depth, using comic books as a unique and powerful lens. They will ask questions such as why the world is the way it is, what the role of power is in morality, and how to know if the world is strange. They will also consider what a person is and why we should care about what that means. Finally, they will consider what duties they owe to others.

The Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) at UMBC offers middle and high school students a unique, engaging, and intellectually stimulating experience. With a diverse range of one-week workshops and courses, SEA immerses students in the world of science, engineering, technology, the arts, and humanities—all led by UMBC faculty, industry professionals, and graduate students.

SEA's college-style experiences are designed to inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively, and challenge themselves in ways they won’t find anywhere else.

Map Madness: Intro to Geospatial Software and Geography helps participants learn how to effectively use geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online. Many environmental scientists and geographers use these programs for applications in physical geography and human geography. Students will work in groups to gather information about environmental concerns on the UMBC campus, then transform their collected data into visual representations or maps. Students will learn the importance of spatial data and how it is used to make inferences and projections about a range of things—from wildlife distribution in local forests and inclement weather to population density trends and even their location.

Earning Criteria