Class materials from the Kickoff Conference.

Additional Material


Welcome and Keynotes video


Introduction to StarLogo Nova, Track A


Introduction to NetLogo, Track B


Wildfire Simulations with NetLogo, Track C


Introduction to Python, Track D


Data Visualization with Python, Track E


Developing a Strong Project


Broadening Your Knowledge Sessons

  1. Cybersecurity
    This session will be a discussion on Cybersecurity combined with videos and engaging cyber activities. Summer Bronson and Divya Anand, New Mexico Tech, Instructors Moderator - Jesse Crawford
  2. Introduction to Machine Learning
    An introduction to machine learning and neural networks. Zack Kinsman, College Student Moderator - Harry Henderson
  3. LaTeX for Technical Writing
    LaTeX is a high-quality typesetting system; it includes features designed for the production of technical and scientific documentation. Wow your teachers and future college professors with your knowledge of this professional tool. David Kratzer, Retired LANL Moderator - Ron Yoder
  4. Meet SC Alumni
    Speakers - Joan and Daniel Appel, Nick Kutac, “Sam” McGuinn and Naomi Rankin will discuss their Challenge experience and how it benefited them with college, careers and beyond. Moderator - Karen Glennon
  5. Successful Projects - Proposal to Final Report
    Learn how to make a successful project by considering the milestones from proposal to final report and reviewing past reports that were notable and award winning. Tom Robey Moderator - Paige Prescott
  6. Teacher Afternoon Tea
    Come drink some virtual tea and discuss any Challenge topics and Creighton will share his other competition info. Creighton Edington, Challenge Advocate and Celia Einhorn, Patty Meyer, Staff Moderators

Closing Session video


Meet the Scientist/Proposal Review

This year we intend to have scientists meet virtually the students in their teams prior to the Kickoff. The students should have submitted their proposals and reviewed the Computational Science Process map. The Meet the Scientist Proposal Review form will be filled out. Volunteer scientists should look over the Meet the Scientist (MTS) Overview Document.

The purpose of the session is to make sure teams have chosen a problem that is suitable for computational science, has measurable components so that a mathematical model can be developed, and from that a computing solution can be written. The session is secondarily about mentoring teams who have good proposals and are ready to get started on their projects. Meet the Scientist is a key session for helping students get off to a good start on their projects. For info about Proposals, see: Proposals.

It may be helpful to look at the proposal guidelines and the proposals that are already up on the Challenge web page – Proposals. There is also a link on the web page for questions to ask to direct the students: Team Project Development. Additionally, Areas of Science links to areas of science and may be helpful for teams still looking for an idea. This guidelines link can be useful, too: Challenge Proposal Guidelines. You can see which teams have submitted proposal on the proposals page of the Challenge web site, Proposals.

Here is the Agent Based Planning Document for Middle School teams choosing to do an Agent Based model.

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Introduction to Computational Science and Modeling

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Report Writing Materials and Teamwork

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