Helo Squadron educates through real-world experience Published Feb. 28, 2013 By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- There is currently a conversation across the country as to the impact of early childhood education and other school programs on a child's opportunity for success in the future. With even the President making his case to a national audience about the importance of investing in education, there is something to be said about the nation's outlook on hands-on student engagement at all levels. There are several agencies here that have teamed with the STARBASE North Dakota Program to give fifth grade students in the Minot Public School system the opportunity to see the real-world involvement of professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related career fields. STARBASE is a Department of Defense sponsored program which allows elementary students to participate in challenging hands-on and minds-on activities introduced in a world leading curriculum in STEM. The goal of the STARBASE program is to spark a students' interest in STEM in hopes that eventually they will consider a career in those fields. During a recent visit by the students to the 54th Helicopter Squadron, they learned about the work aircrew members conduct and how it relates to the STEM topic of Bernoulli's Principle, which the students focused on prior to their visit. "During the tour the students are able to talk to the pilots and hear them explain how Bernoulli's Principle affects their aircraft," said Lisa Murphy, Director of STARBASE North Dakota. According to 1st Lt. William T. Yetman, 54th HS chief of scheduling and tour leader, the students all enjoyed their experience around the helicopters, including the opportunity for them to try on equipment. "We show the kids a helicopter in the hangar, as well as most of the gear we wear in flight like night vision goggles, helmet, survival vest, emergency radios and more," explained Yetman. "I talk to the students about each aircrew member's job and how the helicopter flies." For the lieutenant, the most enjoyable part of conducting the tours is seeing the kids' reactions because it reminds him that even if he's been having a bad day, how great his job can be. "It makes me appreciate what I do, and also makes me want to live up to their expectations," said Yetman. Murphy explained the lieutenant and his team do an amazing job of relating the STEM content to their careers and make a visible connection between what the students are learning and how they apply that STEM content in their careers. The same could be said for the other agencies that help support the STEM tours, she added. Regardless of whether the students get a chance to sit in the cockpit of a helicopter, stand next to a B-52, view a missile, witness a military working dog demonstration, explore the technology and tools used by explosive ordnance disposal, or tour the fire station, they are always blown away at the experience, said Murphy. "The STEM tour is a highlight of their STARBASE experience, and one they remember long after the program has ended," Murphy said. She is grateful members of the 54th HS have been able to support the tours for the past two years now by lending their time, as allowed, and willing to invest in the local youth. "The STEM volunteers and tours are crucial in the students' understanding that what they are learning in their classrooms and at STARBASE is for a purpose and the STEM content and skills can be applied in many amazing careers as they become adults," said Murphy.