Rassi Summer Institute

06.16.11 (LAS CRUCES) -- Several students from around the community are learning about going green through hands-on activities involving science and math.

It's all part of the Rassi Summer Institute being held at New Mexico State University this week.

Christopher Angel Calzada, 15, is already planning his future.

"When I go to college, I'm thinking about studying engineering or in mechanics," said Calzada.

Calzada attends Onate High School and is spending part of his summer learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on activities.

"My design was from a shoe box, I got some extra pieces of cardboard, tape them through each sides and put foil on the inside so when the sun raises hit it hopefully to the hotdog," he said.

This year at the Rassi Summer Institute, students are learning about the planet. They're conducting experiments using solar and wind power.

"We learned about watering, filtering the clean water and we actually got dirty water and we filtered it out and at the end it was all clean. We had to do different processes like take it through different steps so we learn how to clean water," said 17-year-old Rachel Carrillo.

Although, many participants are living with some form of disability -- much of that doesn't seem to matter.

"It's already difficult coming onto a campus and feeling like you fit in so this is a big part of this program," said Bryan Lindenberger, event coordinator.

In previous years, students spent most of the time designing satellites, rockets, canoes, bridges and learning about hot air balloon physics, but when it comes down to it -- the institute also serves another purpose.

"I came to you know just have fun, make some friends you know and learn stuff on the way," said Calzada.

Reported by Carlos Correa

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