CAP STEM Kit Program Takes Flight

Civil Air Patrol’s STEM kits are generating sky-high enthusiasm among K-12 youth and CAP cadets across America.

“These kits are helping to reach a new generation of STEM learners, piquing interest in science, technology, engineering and math through curriculum driven by hands-on fun activities,” said Dr. Jeff Montgomery, CAP’s Aerospace Education director.

Launched in 2013 by CAP’s AE team, the STEM Kit Program provides K-12 teachers and CAP aerospace education officers with interactive kits to choose from to help their students and cadets find and develop passions in aerospace, aviation, rocketry, robotics and more.

The kits are are also available to formal and informal educators who participate in CAP’s Aerospace Education Member (AEM) Program. The AEM is a special membership category available to educators, who pay a one-time fee of $35 and have free access to the organization’s aerospace education products and programs.

Online flying

First Lt. Eric Gravel, aerospace education officer for the Florida Wing's Venice Cadet Squadron, shows a young squadron member how to use the Flight Simulator STEM Kit.

“The kits promote STEM and introduce youth to STEM careers, which helps America remain a global leader in the ever-changing technology realm,” Montgomery said.

Today’s world is driven by technology, creating a constant and continually growing need for people interested and educated in STEM subjects. CAP’s AE team is committed to fulfilling that need with its STEM kits, which now number 15.

“These are valuable tools used in CAP squadrons and classrooms around the country, exciting youth to STEM-career possibilities,” he said.

STEM Kits available through CAP are:

Astronomy
Bee Bots
Flight Simulator
Hydraulic Engineering
Middle School Math
Model and Remote-Control Aircraft
Quadcopter
Raspberry Pi
Ready-to-Fly Quadcopter
Renewable Energy
Robotics
Rocketry
Snaptricity
Sphero
Weather Station

Since the AE team began offering STEM kits, more than 16,000 have been sent to CAP squadrons and classroom educators, benefiting 500,000 students.

For information on STEM Kit and AEM programs, email ae@capnhq.gov.

Quadcopter in flight

Cadet 1st Lt. Sam Ritchie (left) and Cadet Staff Sgt. Joshua Peacock work with the Ready-to-Fly Quadcopter, one of 15 STEM Kits available for use in CAP squadrons and educators. Ritchie and Peacock are members of the Kansas Wing's Emerald City Composite Squadron .