Fearless Starbase Instructors Sandy Cheeks, Zorro and Mrs. Puff

Starbase Atlantis is a program focused on teaching children Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and is funded by the Department of Defense. In San Diego, Starbase is housed aboard Naval Base San Diego and works in conjunction with Chula Vista, National City and San Diego School Districts. Coronado schools are working to form a partnership as well.

Instructor Call Sign "Sandy Cheeks" leads the Starbase class during the week of April 2-6, 2012.

Computers in the Starbase Classroom that students can use for flight simulation

Lead by three instructors, call signs Zorro, Sandy Cheeks, and Mrs. Puff, the class allows students access to computers and hands on experiments. Many of the students who come to Starbase are from Title I schools and the unique experience may be their only exposure to technology. During the school year, the program is administered to fifth graders with a main goal of keeping the students interested in continuing their education.

Starbase students taking a break on the last day of camp

Thirty three children were lucky enough to attend Starbase Atlantis camp from April 2-6. Over half of the participants were students from Coronado. The students learned about force, mass, air and did lots of experiments. They built a car that they raced on the last day of class and culminated the entire experience with a trip to the base bowling alley. 

"It's great they could expose our children to hands on experiments," said parent Kelly Dunbar.  All the participants got to make up their own call sign as well.  They are referred to by this name the entire week.  Some of the call signs used throughout the week were "Bubbles", "Bananas", "Diablo", "Popcorn" and "Mr. Omelette".

Starbase Atlantis CO2 powered cars are lined up and ready to launch.

Starbase Atlantis students line the hallway awaiting launch of their race cars, two at a time 

Some active duty members joined the Starbase students to watch the CO2 powered cars race down the hallway

Kellee Hearther

Online Editorial Intern

eCoronado.com

If there's something you would love to read about, please contact me at calikellee@gmail.com