In the spirit of fostering curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the aviation and space education (AVSED) sector, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is excited to share the highlights from STEM AVSED outreach activities in the month of February.
The Aeronautical Center kicked off February with an exhilarating OKC Thunder Aero-Student Night, bringing together students eager to explore the vast world of aerospace. Over 300 young minds delved into the intricacies of aviation, with hands-on experiences and engaging discussions shaping their perceptions of future career possibilities. The Aeronautical Center’s booth was a resounding success, giving students an opportunity to experience flight via a simulator and try their hands at air traffic control on a "PRACTICE" simulator game.
The STEM AVSED Outreach program extended its reach to Norman Public Schools’ Oklahoma Aviation Academy, as students experienced an insightful tour of the FAA Academy and the Transportation Safety Institute’s "Boneyard". The aim is to inspire the next generation of aviators and expose them to the various facets of the aviation industry. Students left with a new understanding of the FAA’s mission and the range of operations and different missions at the Aeronautical Center.
The Center had the privilege of hosting the West Moore Aviation Maintenance Class, providing them with an immersive experience in aviation maintenance. The hands-on activities and interactive sessions helped students grasp the fundamental principles of aviation maintenance, fostering a deeper understanding of the STEM concepts that underpin this critical aspect of the aerospace industry.
On February 21st, STEM AVSED Outreach representatives were actively involved in two significant events: the Junior Achievement (JA) Inspire event at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and the Oklahoma Engineering Fair at the Science Museum of Oklahoma. At the Oklahoma Engineering Fair, 27 teams competed against each other in the "Drone Zone" competition hosted by the Aeronautical Center. Students navigated their drones through a complex obstacle course, racing against each other and against the clock! Nearly 2,000 Oklahoma students attended the JA Inspire event, exploring aerospace careers and envisioning their futures in this dynamic industry. These events served as a platform for students to gain insights into various STEM AVSED fields, laying the groundwork for informed career decisions.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of February, the Aeronautical Center is excited about the continuous growth and impact of our STEM AVSED outreach efforts. Together, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is shaping the future of Oklahoma’s future workforce, one STEM AVSED experience at a time.
