STARBASE inspiring youth 20 years later

  • Published
  • By Robin DeMark
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Inspiring youth to learn about science and math is always a challenge for parents and teachers. Twenty years ago, founders of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Science and Technology Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE) program launched an educational program designed to capture students' interest by bringing science and math out of the classroom and into the real world.

Sixty rising 5th graders participated in a week of hands-on learning experiences about Bernoulli's principles of flight, Newton's laws of motion, building and launching a model rocket, navigation by using a compass and developing teamwork skills at the base, June 20-24 .

Seymour Johnson personnel provided tours for the students that correspond with topics covered in the classrooms. Throughout the week, students visited the following: wing life support, radar and control tower, fire and weather stations, F-15E simulator, K-9 military working dog kennels, F-15E and KC-135R ramp displays, propulsion flight, jet engine shop, weapons load training facility, observed radio controlled robots and toured a museum. For an added treat, students watched an aerial performance of the F-15E demonstration team.

"Seymour Johnson was the first active duty Air Force base to start a STARBASE program," said Janie Best, 4th Force Support Squadron chief, force development flight. "We've had former students tell us they work for NASA or became military aviators because they always remembered their experiences in STARBASE."

"This program could not exist this long without the teachers and the base," said Norma Griffin, STARBASE director. "Bringing young people to the base provides an environment capturing young people's interest while the military personnel promote a sense of respect and patriotism in our youth."

"Our students recall their STARBASE experiences and then apply it to classroom learning," said Debby Hickey, STARBASE principal. "These kids have fun and see things they have never seen before. Teachers are always amazed at how much students remember throughout the school year."

Teachers commented and agreed that the program extends beyond the classroom to create lifelong memories and is a positive step toward making our nation a better place for years to come.

"It's refreshing to know we can rely on young officers like Maj. Chris Crotty to set up base activities each year," Ms. Connie Atkinson, STARBASE director said. "Seymour has always been supportive and wants STARBASE to continue for many more years to come just as much as we do."

For more information about the STARBASE program; call Janie Best at (919) 722-5800.