Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys
A group of fifth-grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School recently had the opportunity to participate in the Department of Defense’s STARBASE program at Edwards Air Force Base. This unique five-day educational experience, over the span of five weeks, was the first of its kind for Cummings Valley Elementary, marking a significant milestone in the program due to new DoD guidance that expanded eligibility beyond Title I schools.
Teachers Angelica McKay, Haley Sexton, and Lisa Newman led their students through the intensive program, which provides 25 hours of high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) instruction. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts.
Located at the heart of the aerospace testing universe, Edwards Air Force Base offered an inspiring backdrop for the students. STARBASE Edwards is renowned for providing a unique educational experience, allowing students to access world-class equipment, interact with Air Force STEM experts, and explore cutting-edge military-civilian facilities. The program is structured to give students a deep understanding of Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, Career and Technical Education Standards, and the Computer Science Standards for California Schools.
Each day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the students engaged in a variety of cross-curricular activities designed to encourage critical thinking, innovation, and creativity. The program emphasizes learning through collaboration, where students work together on projects, gaining insights from each other as they explore new concepts. The lessons were designed to be both fun and educational, offering a blend of theory and practical application that brought STEM subjects to life.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring our students to STARBASE,” said McKay. “Students are able to experience STEM hands on activities that they would never had the opportunity to do in the classroom environment. We’re so excited to be included this year and hope that we can continue giving students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The STARBASE program also provided students with invaluable career exploration opportunities. During the week, they had the opportunity to interface with guest speakers and visit Edward’s Fire Station 1. These visits not only broadened their horizons but also sparked potential future career interests.
Sexton emphasized the significance of the experience: “Kids thrive when they have the freedom to play, explore, and have fun. The STARBASE program provides that opportunity by immersing them in hands-on experiences and technology. Through STARBASE, my students not only engage in exciting learning but also gain the inspiration and skills that could lead them to pursue a future in STEM careers.”
Newman, who also played a key role in guiding the students through the program, echoed this sentiment.
“Starbase was a wonderful experience for my students. The multiple days provided them with the opportunity to learn, experience, question, and find solutions to science based questions through trial and error using hands-on STEM activities which they do not have the opportunity to do on such a large detailed scale within the classroom,” she said. “This program seemed to ignite a desire to learn more and as a teacher that is inspiring.”
For many students, the highlight of the week was the opportunity to engage directly with professionals who work in the STEM fields. Guest speakers from the Air Force shared their expertise and experiences, giving students a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of careers in science and technology. These interactions were not only educational but also deeply inspiring, providing students with role models who demonstrated the real-world impact of STEM education.
The inclusion of all Tehachapi elementary schools in the STARBASE program this year is a promising development, ensuring that a greater number of students can benefit from this exceptional learning experience in the future.
“As a whole we are trying to expand from about 1200 to 2500 students a year. We want to expose more students to STEM careers in and around the Aerospace Valley,” said Dr. Sam Duchscherer, STARBASE Edwards director.
The program aims to reach students from kindergarten through 12th grade soon, and with a recent building addition at STARBASE Edwards, this goal is expected to become a reality by 2025.
As more schools gain access to programs like STARBASE, the hope is that future generations of students will be better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The program not only equips students with essential knowledge and skills but also instills in them the confidence to innovate, create, and lead in a rapidly evolving world.
For more information about the STARBASE program and its impact on students across the country, visit eafbstarbase.org.
For more information on Edwards AFB and its missions visit www.edwards.af.mil.
A school bus from Tehachapi Unified School District parks at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 22, 2024. This unique five-day educational experience was the first of its kind for Cummings Valley Elementary School, marking a significant milestone in the program due to new DoD guidance that expanded eligibility beyond Title I schools.(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Ellis Sewalson, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., explores Computer Aided Design with Angelica McKay, CVS teacher, at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 22, 2024 at Edwards Air Force. Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Zane Adams, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif. , explores Computer Aided Design with Sarah Achziger, STARBASE Edwards instructor, Aug. 22, 2024 at Edwards Air Force Base. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
MacKenzie Ferguson, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., shows off her design for an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Sept. 04, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Bruce Owen, 812th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, helps Ellis Sewalson, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., put on firefighter equipment during a STARBASE Edwards field trip, Sept. 05, 2024, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Amelia Kelley and Cole Thomson, 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participate in an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 28, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Nico Brooks and Chloe Yasumoto, 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 28, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Rachel Nichols, STARBASE Edwards instructor, welcomes students from Cummings Valley Elementary School to the program at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 22, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Sopfia Perry, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Sept. 04, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Buzz McBride, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in a “Happy Atoms” activity at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 24, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Sebastian Suarez, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., prepares to lauch his team's design during an “Eggbert” experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Sept. 04, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Juliet Gennuso, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., shows off her design for an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Sept. 04, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Lisa Newman, Cumming Valley Elementary School 5th grade teacher, works with her students at STARBASE Edwards on Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. , Sept. 4, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert) 
Sarah Achziger, STARBASE Edwards instructor, demonstrates an exothernic reaction for 5th Grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 at Edwards Air Force Base. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert) 
Marissa Keller and Hazel Watson, 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participate in an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 28, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Vivian Wade, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in an experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 28, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Reagan Deck, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in a robotics activity at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 27, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Brooklyn Rolow, Mark Wheat, and Dhalia Devoe, 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participate in a robotics activity at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 27, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Brighton Pearsall and Gracey Kay-Morris, 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participate in a “Pop Goes the Fizz” experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 22, 2024 at Edwards Air Force. Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
MacKenzie Ferguson, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., prepares to lauch her team's design during an “Eggbert” experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Sept. 04, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Zane Adams, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., participates in a “Pop goes the Fizz” experiment at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 22, 2024. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Alena Barlow, a 5th grade student from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., explores Computer Aided Design at STARBASE Edwards, Aug. 22, 2024 at Edwards Air Force. Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Senior Airman Martin Brion, 812th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, explains equipment to 5th grade students from Cummings Valley Elementary School in Tehachapi, Calif., during a STARBASE Edwards field trip, Sept. 05, 2024, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys) 
Senior Airman Martin Brion, 812th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, shows equpment to Cummings Valley Elementary School students from Tehachapi, Calif., during a STARBASE Edwards field trip, Sept. 05, 2024, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The STARBASE program, funded by the DoD, aims to ignite students’ passion for science and technology through hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications of STEM concepts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys)