Energy Explorations Academy

About Energy Explorations Academy

Energy Academy participants writing on a chalk board.

Energy Explorations Academy is a week-long day camp for current 8th and 9th grade students to investigate different forms of energy used in the world.

The program included working in labs and on activities in teams with the goal of learning about energy transformations in the laboratory and different forms of energy with labs and group exercises. Participants operated mini fuel cell cars, performed computer simulations to learn about light energy, replicated nuclear energy in half-lives via manipulatives, and created Hero’s Engines generated by steam.

The camp includes tours of Rice University and its facilities such as the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK). The campus tours are an important part of the program—here is an article about one from Rice University News & Media!

Energy Explorations Academy topics include fossil fuels, alternative energy sources, and fuel and solar cells.


Summer 2022 Energy Explorations Academy*

Energy Explorations Academy is an in-person program designed for current (2021-2022) 8th and 9th grade students.

This program is offered through a designated funding source to a targeted audience and is not open to the general public to apply.

Program Details

This summer, Energy Explorations Academy is offered through a designated funding source to a targeted audience and is not open to the general public to apply. Our goal is to create learning experiences for 8th and 9th grade students by bringing them into the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Labs and other areas at Rice University.

Program Benefits

Students receive:

  • materials for the labs,
  • online support,
  • virtual lab tours, and
  • opportunities to engage with Rice faculty!

Please note: this program is offered through a designated funding source to a targeted audience and is not open to the general public to apply.


Energy Explorations Academy Administration

If you have any questions about Energy Explorations Academy, you can contact the program leads.

Matthew Cushing, M.S.
R-STEM Executive Director
713-348-8210 | mpc3@rice.edu

NSF Logo

Contact Information

Telephone: (713) 348-8211
Fax: (713) 348-3825
stem@rice.edu

Mailing Address

Office of STEM Engagement
Rice University
P.O. Box 1892, MS-7836
Houston, TX 77251-1892

Street Address

IBC Plaza Houston
5615 Kirby Dr., Suite 730
Houston, TX 77005-2445