Student Programs

K-12

Beginning to understand light and optics can begin at an early age. The "Albuquerque Model," with its innovative education ladder, has instigated programs starting as early as elementary school and continuing into middle school.

See more information about the West Mesa Cluster – Feeder Schools.

The beauty of soap bubbles teaches light diffraction.		A prism splits white sun light into the spectrum.		A diffraction grating helps one see colors coming from a bulb.

High School

During the high school years enthusiastic students can grasp the basic principles of optics and photonics, and consider this field as a great career option. The unique Photonics Academy at West Mesa High School comprehensively covers the basic foundation in understanding photonics, while improving students' math skills. A six-week holography component at the end of the curriculum ignites students' interest and, consequentially, deepens their knowledge of the previous weeks of optics exercises learned.

See more information about the West Mesa High School Photonics Academy.

A laser light show helps one understand lasers.		It's a learning experience dis-assembling a laser.		Young girls at WMHS, also excited about this program.