On October 9 and 10, 2024, all 5th grade students in Culpeper County had an exciting opportunity to visit the Culpeper Airport for a day of STEM activities. This initiative, made possible through the partnership with the Culpeper Air Fest, aims to provide educational experiences to the community, including students from Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS), private schools, and homeschool students. The well-organized event allows students to engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities across various zones.
CCPS Career and Technical Education Director Randi Richards-Lutz oversees the program as part of the Culpeper Air Fest STEM Committee. She expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, “We are so grateful to our airport, hangar owners, Career Partners, students, staff and presenters for making our eighth year of STEM days such a success.”
Mike Dale, a pioneer of the Culpeper Air Fest and community volunteer, has been involved with the STEM program since its inception in 2017. Hosting students in his airport hangar, Dale introduces them to historical aircraft preservation and reconstruction. One of the highlights is his Nieuport, a WWI aircraft he is currently reconstructing. Students also have the chance to make rivets that they can take home as souvenirs.
The STEM experience is divided into multiple zones, each packed with engaging activities designed to expose students to various aspects of STEM. The objectives include understanding airport connections to STEM and exploring potential career paths. The zones include:
- STEM in Airport Historical Aircraft Preservation and Reconstruction
- STEM in Industry, Manufacturing, Construction, and Infrastructure
- STEM in Education, Math, Coding, and Robotics
- STEM in Flight, Model Planes, Aircraft, Helicopters, and Go-Karting
The success of the event is largely due to the participation of community partners and approximately 70 volunteers. Local business partners provided activities and demonstrations, while students from the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) showcased their projects, including an electric go-kart. CTEC students often reflect fondly on their own experiences during the airport STEM field trip when they were in 5th grade.
CTEC electrical student Ian Bennett shared his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We’re just really grateful that we get this opportunity to come out and show these kids what we’re passionate about and what they can learn when they’re older. The kids love it; they’re loving the hydroelectric, the go-kart, the solar... it’s amazing that you guys have this. It’s showing them that their education is important and that it doesn’t have to be super boring bookwork; it’s very interactive.”
Josh Seworder, CTEC Cybersecurity student and President of the CTEC National Technical Honor Society, reminisced about his own fifth-grade experience at the event, saying, “I remember when I was a kid in fifth grade we came here and I really enjoyed the experience. Now being at the age where I can give the youth the same thing I was given, it’s nice to see them here happy and laughing.”
Another key factor in the success of the STEM at the Airport field trips was the dedication of our bus drivers. We are deeply grateful to the transportation department and all our drivers who ensured the safe travel of our 5th graders to and from the airport. Along with our regular drivers, several CDL-licensed staff members stepped in to assist, including Kristina Wenger from the Instruction Department, Emerald Hill Principal Tori Gelbert, Transportation Director Steven Bagley, and Executive Director of Operations Donovan O’Brien. Their combined efforts helped make these trips possible.
Overall, the 2024 STEM at the Airport program proved to be a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with STEM in an interactive, memorable way, setting a strong foundation for their future education and career aspirations. To all of the volunteers, Richards-Lutz said, “Thank you for making our STEM event such a success! We had perfect weather, exceptional organization, new additions, and well-prepared students. The 5th graders and teachers truly enjoyed themselves!”