STEM Academy Captivates California Cadets

Eighty California Wing cadets devoted a week of their summer vacation to Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education STEM Academy, conducted to provide participants with a closer look at the science, technology, engineering, and math aspects behind modern aerospace operations.

Twenty-seven of the cadets served as staff for the activity at Edwards Air Force Base, with 44 adult members also pitching in.

All classes were taught by CAP cadets, assisted by aerospace education officers from eight groups across the California Wing.

A favorite class among cadets was the introduction to the Kerbal Space Program, a spaceflight simulation that mixes game mechanics and orbital physics in a virtual solar system. Led by Cadet 2nd Lt. Andrew Ong of Fullerton Composite Squadron 56 and Cadet Maj. Nathan Mancebo of Los Alamitos Cadet Squadron 153, participants focused on the basics of rocket design, orbital mechanics, and mission planning. They built virtual rockets, launched them into orbit, and had them return safely back to the launchpad.

Other classes focused on Robotics, Engineering, Astronomy, Programming, Electronics, and Stargazing, using resources from CAP’s STEM Kits program, designed to provide resources for hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

Behind-the-scenes presentations on the Benefield Anechoic Facility and the Mojave Air and Space Port gave cadets a chance to experience innovative aerospace technology. The Benefield tour, led by Maj. Adam Staley of Pancho Barnes Composite Squadron 49, included looks at both the main chamber and surrounding support rooms of the world’s largest anechoic chamber.

Later in the week, cadets learned about the work of rocket scientists and engineers at the Mojave Air and Space Port. Their tour of the facility exposed them to the day-to-day operations that support civilian access to space.

“It was awesome! I learned about how planes are tested in safe environments and got to see where famous movies were filmed,” said Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Celestina Torres of John C. Savage Challenger Cadet Squadron 1986.

After learning about astronomy, cadets participated in an evening stargazing class to put their newfound knowledge into practice. They used telescopes to identify planets, stars, and constellations, taking in up-close views of sights they had talked about in class only hours before.

In the engineering class, they learned about structural design and the forces that affect bridges. To apply those lessons, cadets participated in a team contest in which they built bridges and competed to construct the span that could hold the heaviest weight. 

“Out of all the STEM activities, the bridge-building contest was the one that required the most teamwork,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Levi Dginguerian of San Fernando Cadet Squadron 137, Foxtrot seminar honor cadet.

“It gave our flight the opportunity to assign a leader, create a plan, and organize ourselves into the positions we needed, not only to complete but also to win the bridge-building contest,” Dginguerian said.

Cadet Col. Cody Layne of Redlands Cadet Squadron 411 served as cadet commander for the activity — a role he called “one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my eight years of Civil Air Patrol.”

“One of my favorite parts was asking students each day about their favorite moment,” Layne said. “Seeing their enthusiasm as they shared reminded me of when I first attended AESA back in 2017.

“It was a great feeling to know I was helping give back to cadets the same memorable experience I had years ago.”

Throughout the week, cadets heard from a broad lineup of guest speakers:

_____Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Madeline EricksonShasta Composite Squadron 126California Wing

Photos provided by Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Celestina Torres, John C. Savage Challenger Cadet Squadron 1986, California Wing