Michael Oberly and Dr. Robert Ferrell

Oberly’s and Ferrell’s innovative teaching idea, “Stratosphere Project,” focuses on implementing a meteorology-based engineering project where students launch a weather balloon into the stratosphere, take data and retrieve it. High Altitude Ballooning (HAB) projects offer students a unique and exciting way to experience engineering. Through this assignment, they will learn how to utilize GPS tracking, design and insulate hardware for the flight, measure precise weights, and calculate flight paths. Equally important, this project also provides student groups creative, collaborative, problem-solving and leadership opportunities that teach them how to embrace teamwork and communication among themselves, as well as with the larger community.