DVIDS – News – Tehachapi 5th Graders Embark on Learning Adventure at STARBASE Edwards

A group of fifth-grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School recently had the opportunity to participate in the Department of Defense’s STARBASE program at Edwards Air Force Base. This unique five-day, five-week educational experience was the first of its kind for Cummings Valley Elementary School, marking a milestone in the program due to new Department of Defense guidelines that expanded eligibility beyond Title I schools.

Teachers Angelica McKay, Haley Sexton and Lisa Newman guided their students through the intensive program, which provides 25 hours of high-quality instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The STARBASE program, funded by the Department of Defense, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts.

Located in the heart of the aerospace testing universe, Edwards Air Force Base has provided an inspiring setting for students. STARBASE Edwards is renowned for providing a unique educational experience, allowing students to access world-class equipment, interact with Air Force STEM experts, and explore cutting-edge military and civilian facilities. The curriculum is structured to give students a deep understanding of Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, Career and Technical Education Standards, and California School Computer Science Standards.

Each day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., students participated in a variety of interdisciplinary activities designed to encourage critical thinking, innovation and creativity. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, where students work together on projects, drawing inspiration from one another while exploring new concepts. The lessons were designed to be both fun and educational, offering a blend of theory and practical application that brought STEM subjects to life.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring our students to STARBASE,” McKay said. “Students are able to experience hands-on STEM activities that they would never have had the opportunity to do in the classroom. We are thrilled to be included this year and look forward to continuing to provide students with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The STARBASE program also provided students with invaluable career exploration opportunities. During the week, they had the opportunity to interact with guest speakers and tour Edward Fire Station 1. These visits not only broadened their horizons, but also sparked potential interests for future careers.

Sexton emphasized the importance of this experience: “Children thrive when they have the freedom to play, explore and have fun. The STARBASE program provides this opportunity by immersing them in hands-on, technology-based experiences. Through STARBASE, my students not only engage in exciting learning, but also gain inspiration and skills that could lead them to pursue a future in STEM careers.”

Newman, who also played a key role in guiding students through the program, echoed that sentiment.

“Starbase has been a great experience for my students. The days following their internship have given them the opportunity to learn, experiment, question and solve scientific questions through trial and error, using hands-on STEM activities that they don’t get to do on such a large and detailed scale in the classroom,” she said. “This program seems to have sparked a desire in them to learn more, and as a teacher, that’s inspiring.”

For many students, the highlight of the week was the opportunity to interact directly with professionals working in STEM fields. Guest speakers from the Air Force shared their expertise and experiences, giving students a first-hand look at the challenges and rewards of careers in science and technology. These interactions were not only educational but also deeply inspiring, providing students with role models who demonstrated the real-world impact of STEM education.

The inclusion of all Tehachapi elementary schools in the STARBASE program this year is an exciting development, ensuring that more students will benefit from this exceptional learning experience in the future.

“Overall, we’re trying to grow from 1,200 to 2,500 students a year. We want to expose more students to STEM careers in and around the Aerospace Valley,” said Dr. Sam Duchscherer, director of STARBASE Edwards.

The program aims to reach students in grades K-12 soon, and with a recent addition to the STARBASE Edwards building, that goal should become a reality by 2025.

As more schools gain access to programs like STARBASE, it is hoped that future generations of students will be better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The program not only equips students with essential knowledge and skills, but also instills the confidence to innovate, create and lead in a rapidly changing world.

For more information about the STARBASE program and its impact on students across the country, visit eafbstarbase.org.

For more information about Edwards AFB and its missions, visit www.edwards.af.mil.