This free workshop offers high school students a rare opportunity to conduct original research using real telescope data and present their findings, guided by UCLA astronomy Ph.D. students.
The UCLA Summer Observing Workshop, hosted by the UCLA Department of Physics and Astronomy, offers high school students an introduction to scientific research through observational astronomy. Participants engage in a small research project focusing on astrophysical objects, utilizing real data from telescopes worldwide and in space. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with data analysis and culminates in a 5-10 minute presentation of their findings. The workshop aims to provide a foundational research experience for students interested in pursuing science as a career, particularly in astronomy. It is led by UCLA graduate students earning their Ph.D.'s in astronomy.
Students will gain skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and scientific communication. They will learn about observational astronomy techniques and the process of conducting a research project from start to finish. Computer access is provided for all participants.
Students meet once per week for three hours on Tuesday evenings, generally from 6-9 PM, to learn about observations and data reduction, conduct research, and prepare for their final presentations.
The ideal student is a high school upperclassman (rising junior or senior) with a strong interest in astronomy and a desire to pursue a science career, who can attend all 9 weeks of the program.
UCLA, Physics and Astronomy Building, 430 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Los Angeles STEM Summer Camps is a free directory service that aggregates publicly available information about STEM programs, summer camps, and educational opportunities. We do not operate, sponsor, endorse, accredit, certify, or have any affiliation with the camps and programs listed here unless explicitly stated.
All program details — including pricing, session dates, instructor credentials, curriculum, safety policies, refund terms, transportation, meal arrangements, and admission requirements — are sourced from publicly available information and may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Listings are partially generated and updated using automated AI-assisted research, which can occasionally produce inaccurate details. Parents and guardians are solely responsible for independently verifying every detail directly with the camp before enrolling, paying, or relying on any information shown here.
We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the accuracy, completeness, suitability, safety, quality, availability, or fitness for any particular purpose of any camp, program, or information shown on this site. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind — including but not limited to financial loss, missed sessions, refund disputes, injury, child safety incidents, transportation issues, dissatisfaction with educational outcomes, or any other harm — arising from your use of this directory or your decision to enroll a child in any listed program. Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of these terms.
If you are a camp operator and notice any inaccurate information about your program, please contact us and we will review and update it. By submitting an inquiry via this site, you consent to the camp contacting you with information about their program.
