POTSDAM -- More than 40 local middle-school and high-school students participated in Clarkson University’s sixth annual roller coaster camp this summer as part of the IMPETUS outreach program.

The camp, funded through a New York State Education Department Science and Technology Entry Program grant, focuses on preparing K-12 students academically while inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering.

Students from Canton, Colton-Pierrepont, Harrisville, Hermon-DeKalb, Lisbon, Norwood-Norfolk, Potsdam, St. Lawrence Central schools, and the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club attended the three-day camp.

Students learned about the scientific method and how to use equipment such as heart rate sensors, altimeters, and accelerometers to collect data for their own research projects during a trip to Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George.

Frank Hardick, an engineer who was a member of the design team for the Six Flags Comet, a large wooden roller coaster at the park, explained the mathematics and physics involved in roller coaster design and safety.

Students presented their research projects to members of the Clarkson community and took part in an awards ceremony.

A team of Clarkson University professors, including David Wick, Kathleen Fowler, Michael Ramsdell, and Peter Turner, was recently awarded $211,683 by state Education Department to continue the IMPETUS for Career Success program. IMPETUS stands for Integrated Math and Physics for Entry to Undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).