K-12 aerospace academy: An out-of-school authentic and experiential STEM learning experience for college and career pathways to aerospace/aviation

Abstract

The paper presents implementation and evaluation of an Aerospace Academy program geared towards exposing K-12 student population, especially underrepresented population, to high-demand aerospace and aviation fields. The program activities are designed to increase interest in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and improve college readiness and career exposure through aerospace/aviation-themed STEM activities. Students learned about potential college and career opportunities that exist in these fields and why background in advanced science and mathematics is crucial to achieve these careers. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) received funding through NASA and private foundations to implement a comprehensive K-12 Aerospace Academy program to expose students to STEM learning, especially minorities from rural counties surrounding ECSU. Student activities were delivered through Friday Academy, Saturday Academy and Summer Academies with participation from 235 middle and high school students. The participants comprised of 43.83% Male and 56.17% Female, participating in a total of thirty-six (36) to forty (40) hours of hands-on experience. The three key components of K-12 Aerospace Academy program at ECSU are: (i) Curriculum Enhancement Activities (CEAs) - Hands-on, inquiry-based K-12 STEM curricula, (ii) Aerospace Educational Laboratory (AEL) - both stationary and mobile, and (iii) Family Connection - parental involvement and informal education. The curriculum supports the Next Generation Science Standards and contained a strong emphasis on math and science literacy for 21st century learners. Evaluation data was gathered through Student Feedback Survey. Topics discussed in the paper will include implementation of K-12 Aerospace Academy program at ECSU, program components, participant demographics, student activities, and project evaluation.