Experiential Learning Across the U.S. – Episode 6: StarBase
On military bases all over America, 4th and 5th grade students are experiencing StarBase – a Department of Defense-sponsored project designed to interest young Americans in STEM-related and “next-generation” careers.
StarBase programs vary from state to state, but each lasts for one week, providing approximately 25 hours of hands-on learning and experimentation in STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Many of the programs have an avionics focus, with pilots and other base personnel serving as program teachers, role models and mentors.
Activity highlights from various StarBase programs include:
- At Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, students use a computer-aided design program to design simple objects, such as key chains, and then manufacture their creations with a 3-D printer. They also learn to fly, using a pilot's yoke on a desktop flight simulator computer.
- At McEntire Air National Guard Base in South Carolina (where the program is known as “StarBase Swamp Fox”), experiential learning focuses on topics such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, Bernoulli’s Principles, and Properties of Air. Students get to see aircraft, a drone and the on-site fire department, and work in 3-D computer-aided design, nanotechnology and geometry.
- At the 167th Airlift Wing in Winchester, Virginia, hands-on activities include building electrical circuits and programing robots.
Most of the StarBase programs culminate with students working in pairs to construct a rocket. On the final day, parents, family and friends arrive to watch each student launch his/her rocket and catch it after the parachute opens and the rocket drifts back to Earth.
Mission Statement
The program’s mission is to “expose our nation’s youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard and Reserve military bases, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities.”
"The DoD hires more scientists and engineers than any other company in the world," said retired Col. Ron Jackson, from Lackland. "Most of the big STEM programs focus on high school and college. STARBASE is the only elementary school program."
Secondary goals of the program include the promotion of healthy lifestyles and drug avoidance, tying into the program’s motto “Dreams + Action = Reality.” Many of the programs focus on at-risk youth.
A Hit with Students and Teachers
“I like StarBase because they allow you to do hands-on activities,” said student Brianna Sims. “I’ve always wanted to be a scientist because I like doing the experiments and learning new things.” Feedback from other StarBase Swamp Fox students included comments such as, “I like launching rockets and assembling stuff” and “I wish it was longer than a week ... I hope I can come back some day.”
A 5th grade teacher from participating Webber Elementary School commented, “My students enjoyed themselves very much! I have never seen them so well behaved and focused... I will be taking some of your teaching techniques with me!”
“I love it, and I know the kids love it,” said Sharon Cooley, principal of Indian Hollow Elementary School. “It has been a wonderful opportunity because it allows the students to really practice problem solving and communication skills, teamwork and all their science, math and technology subjects. It really brings it all together.”
U.S. Department of Education: STEM Education for Global Leadership
StarBase is part of the federal government’s commitment to STEM Education. The Department of Education website details President Obama’s goals for STEM education: within a decade, American students must "move from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math."
“The United States has developed as a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers, and innovators,” the website explains. “In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. These are the types of skills that students learn by studying STEM. Yet today, few American students pursue expertise in STEM fields—and we have an inadequate pipeline of teachers skilled in those subjects.”
Supporting Teachers and Students in STEM
The Department of Education shares the President’s commitment to STEM. For more information, you can read about dozens of federal grants for STEM programs, including a Ready-to-Learn Television grant competition for programs that develop science-focused television and digital media content. The Department’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is also collaborating with NASA, the National Park Service, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to bring high-quality STEM content and experiences to students from low-income, high-need schools.
Sign Your School Up for StarBase!
Bring this fascinating learning experience to students at your own school. StarBases are located all across the U.S., including in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Use this StarBase online tool to locate and contact a StarBase near you.
Hands-on, real-world learning is at the heart of Envision’s mission. Please share your input, thoughts and questions in our Comments section.
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