NAVFAC MIDLANT and Chesapeake Bay Volunteers Launch 2024 STEM Lab for 8,000 NAS Oceana Students

The annual Air Show sneak peek in Virginia Beach presented a unique educational opportunity for 5th graders from local schools. Since 2016, the event has welcomed students from Virginia Beach City and Chesapeake Public Schools. They witnessed captivating performances from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, among other attractions. This year, approximately 8,000 students, accompanied by over 1,500 educators and chaperones, attended the event.

Participants engaged in activities focused on environmental stewardship. They played trivia games about the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and tested their recycling knowledge through interactive contests. The educational content aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning curriculum, which supports goals for environmental awareness as outlined in EPA Executive Order 13508 for Chesapeake Bay protection.

Vincent Orazi, a Natural Resource Management Specialist, expressed enthusiasm about the event. “Connecting with students on environmental topics relevant to their lives is rewarding,” he said. “The interaction was beneficial for both students and organizers.”

An interactive watershed model provided a hands-on learning experience about pollution and its impact on water quality. Students actively participated in demonstrations, cleaning up simulated oil spills using absorbent materials to understand environmental impacts better.

Dawn Friedrichs, overseeing Environmental Management, noted the value of hands-on learning. She said, “The students’ engagement in our activities showed how practical demonstrations enhance understanding.”

Recycling, waste management, and pollution prevention were additional focal points of the event. These concepts aim to instill lifelong environmental responsibility among young attendees.

Tara Fisher, involved with the Air Show STEM Lab since 2017, emphasized the positive impact of student inquiries. “Each year, their insightful questions inspire us, and we hope the lessons on stormwater pollution resonate with them,” she commented.

NAVFAC MIDLANT played a crucial role, offering expertise across various domains from South Carolina to Maine. As part of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, they ensure the efficient management of regional facilities and infrastructure.

For updates on NAVFAC MIDLANT’s activities, follow them on social media platforms like Facebook (@navfacmidatlantic) and Instagram (@navfacmidatlantic).