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See the latest on activities, news, and updates from STEMS on the VINES right here on our blog.

STEMS in Current Events

The recent eruption of the Kilauea volcano gives us an opportunity to understand this fascinating natural phenomena. This STEM unit is in line with our goal to make STEM relevant to our everyday lives. We also use this news item to stimulate thought on the dynamics of volcanic activity. Hydrothermal vents have temperatures over 350 degrees on the lava-covered seafloor, yet some aquatic animals and organisms can thrive in these temperatures. Students are led to investigate how the origins of life adapted to the environment on our newly formed planet Earth.

Sustainability issues emerge during weather events. Students can analyze the data and discuss their ideas on climate change. When they make well-reasoned statements based on scientific literature, we can respect their position. An informed populace is the only defense against fake news. Whatever the position one may take, students become aware that they are needed to develop strategies in the future based on STEMS to combat and repair damage caused by these events.

Summer brings renewed interest in the Zika virus and Lyme's disease. Student learn about habitat, biodiversity and the impact on humans. Black water bucket traps were made by health officials in Puerto Rico to fight the Zika virus. Mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus lay eggs near standing water. Black is the color that the mosquitoes are attracted to. This is a very low-tech solution that students can see themselves creating.

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/zika-virus-outbreak/low-tech-trap-might-help-fight-zika-virus-outbreaks-cdc-n571501

Imani Malaika-MehtaMay 31, 20181 Comment

FEATURED EVENTS

Tuskegee Airmen and STEMS on the VINES

A Partnership in Preserving the Legacy

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A CHILD'S FASCINATION WITH FLIGHT

The best way to explore the physics of flight is by flying! Our annual field trip to iFly indoor skydiving allows students to experience the effects of wind in the most personal and relevant way. We take an interdisciplinary approach to STEM. Students will learn the engineering of wind tunnels and the aerodynamics of skydiving. Calculating the time it takes to travel, altitudes and velocity shows how math is used to obtain very useful information.

A SHORTAGE OF PILOTS IN THE FUTURE

1992 - 90% of pilots hired in 1992 had military backgrounds
2008 - Only 28% of pilots had military backgrounds
51.6 is the average age of an American Airlines pilot
83 American Airlines pilots are under 40 years of age
560 American Airlines pilots are over 60 years of age
Fewer pilots are certified to meet the demand

PRESERVING THE LEGACY

“Helping Youth Fulfil Their Promise” was this year’s theme of the recently concluded Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (TAI) national convention. It’s National Youth Academy provided opportunities to enjoy hands-on interaction, behind the scenes exposure, in-depth discussions and a planned introductory training flight, all of which tied directly to the mission and goals of TAI objectives. Participants gained an appreciation of the story and lessons of America’s first Black military aviators, the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and their legacy of determination, education, perseverance and patience as necessary skills in achieving success in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

In 2016, the local Kansas City TAI chapter began developing a similarly supportive relationship with STEMS on the VINES/KC Creators Clubs. We see this as an appropriate path to help expand an awareness of the impact and contributions of lesser-known pioneering minority aviators on international history. Our joint venture will expand an awareness of the vast opportunities in the field of aviation and careers in the aerospace industry. STEMS provides a platform for meeting today’s youth in a stimulating arena where a formula for yesterday’s successes may be explored as a roadmap for their positive futures.

ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO BE PILOTS

Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart and Rosie the Riveter are iconic American heroes. We need to let our girls know these important roles in history. Beyond this, women can and must find their space to help fashion the future of aviation. We must give our young ladies many experiences with flight, physics, astrophysics, air traffic control terminology, programming and aeronautic engineering.

PROGRAMMING: A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE NASA SPACE MISSIONS

The film "Hidden Figures" documents the critical role of women of color in programming the trajectory of NASA space flights. Our Board member Dr. Mozilla Dyer was instrumental in configuring the specifications for NASA space suits that astronauts wore. She is a tremendous role model for all of our STEMS students.

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