NAVFAC Volunteers Shape Tomorrow’s Engineers with NAS Oceana’s Outdoor STEM Lab

The annual NAS Oceana Air Show recently provided a unique educational experience for 5th graders from Virginia Beach City and Chesapeake Public Schools. The event, themed “Inspire. Educate. Soar!” included performances by the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team.

Beyond the aerial displays, students had access to various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) exhibits. One highlight was the Penny Boat Challenge led by NAVFAC volunteers. “The students design a boat using a sheet of aluminum foil to see how many pennies it can hold before sinking,” explained Taylor Priest, Civil Engineer and STEM Coordinator for NAVFAC LANT. The exercise teaches principles of weight distribution, boat design, and buoyancy.

Robert Brown, a Project Manager for NAVFAC MIDLANT, participated as a first-time STEM Lab volunteer. “Showing these skills to a younger generation is fascinating. I want to continue to promote STEM for other children,” he said. The activity drew significant crowds, with students showing off both their talent and competitive spirit throughout the day.

The competitive nature of the Penny Boat Challenge was evident, with students eager to outperform each other. “We have an ongoing high score board that keeps the competition and creativity flowing,” said Priest. The engagement is more than just fun; it plants seeds for future careers in STEM fields.

Statistics from the National Center for Science and Engineering indicate that about a quarter of the current U.S. workforce is employed in STEM. Events like these are especially crucial for promoting STEM careers among underrepresented groups, including women, persons of color, and individuals with disabilities.

“We love promoting STEM activities to get children interested in engineering,” said Melissa Dyson, Supervisory Project Manager for NAVFAC MIDLANT and STEM Coordinator. “These students often use engineering skills daily without even realizing it. Our goal is to help them identify and enjoy these skills.” Dyson emphasized the growing opportunities in STEM fields, pointing out the rapid growth expected in the next decade.

While Generation Alpha students are adept with digital technology, they showed exceptional skill in hands-on learning activities. “The students use different parts of their brains,” said Priest. “Our activities combine visual, auditory, and physical learning, synchronizing their skills.” The students often take these skills home to share with their parents and teachers.

The NAS Oceana Air Show serves as an annual opportunity for the U.S. Navy to engage with local communities. It also prepares for future events, such as Naval Station Norfolk’s STEM Days and Fleet Fest, scheduled for October 17-19. These events will continue to highlight the role of NAVFAC in promoting STEM education.

NAVFAC MIDLANT’s responsibilities span from the Carolinas to Maine and as far west as Illinois. As part of the Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic team, they provide essential facilities engineering and public works services, ensuring efficient and effective management of the region’s infrastructure.