Twenty Years of DoD STARBASE NM
2004-2005
14 schools, 28 teachers, & 557 students
Senator Jeff Bingaman visits DoD STARBASE NM classroom
2005-2006
20 schools, 40 teachers, & 596 students
Rico Racosky, commercial pilot & motivational author, visits DoD STARBASE NM classroom
2006-2007
22 schools, 42 teachers, & 674 students
2007-2008
15 schools, 27 teachers, & 810 students
2008-2009
22 schools, 49 teachers, & 941 students
2009-2010
24 schools, 46 teachers, & 1,074 students
2010-2011
29 schools, 63 teachers, & 1,050 students
2011-2012
25 schools, 55 teachers, & 746 students
Participant Quotes
"I am more interested in science and engineering, because it's not hard. I though it was hard before I came here."
2011-2012 Student – Cottonwood Valley Charter School
"They are amazing, and they make you want to be a scientist or engineer, and go to college and get a math or science scholarship."
2011-2012 Student – Edgewood Elementary School
"I liked when the engineers came. I really would enjoy being an engineer when I grow up. This will help me in my future by teaching me to stretch my mind and imagination to solve real world problems."
2011-2012 Student – Edgewood Elementary School
"When you are doing science and engineering in school, even if you like it, it's nowhere as fun or as easy to comprehend as it is at STARBASE. I used to not understand science, but now I do, and I enjoy it!
2011-2012 Student – Hope Christian School
"It was fun! We didn't get to just watch the teacher do things. We got to do them too!"
2011-2012 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"Student attendance actually increased on fieldtrip days to DoD STARBASE NM; students talked about activities; behavior improved!"
2011-2012 Teacher – Edgewood Elementary School
"I cannot say enough good things about this program. It has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of the year. I know that many students have changed their minds about science to more favorable opinions."
2011-2012 Teacher – Hope Christian School
"I along with the students enjoyed all the activities presented for each session Our instructor was amazing and wonderful with all instruction."
2011-2012 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"The best part of the program was all the science experiments and the very clear objectives and practical applications. The students witnessed real life applications and connected with the science being taught. An excellent, detailed program!"
2011-2012 Teacher – San Felipe Elementary School
"Thank you for giving us this opportunity to participate in the program. It has me thinking about how I further my own professional development in STEM to enhance my teaching and encourage my students to seek careers in these fields."
2011-2012 Teacher – Seven Bar Elementary School
"Students talk for weeks about these activities and bring them up during class discussion and learning. Can't wait for next year!"
2011-2012 Teacher – Sundance Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"This program in invaluable. Coolest program ever. My daughter asked for science toys for Christmas. The educational value is priceless. If only every child had the opportunity to participate. We had an incredible instructor who was patient with the kids and was able to explain complicated topics clearly and at the children's level. The AFRL volunteers were fun and encouraged the kids to pursue STEM careers."
2011-2012 Parent
"My child really looks forward to DoD STARBASE. He always shares what he learns, which seems to be a lot. The value lies in experiencing something advanced, but practical and new. It opens the minds to things they wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to explore."
2011-2012 Parent
"My child enjoyed the hands-on. He also enjoyed being able to go on the base to have his class. He took on everything that was taught because he came home so excited to tell us everything he learned. I would like to say 'Thank you!' for giving my son's class the opportunity to take these classes and I hope this program continues. It has made a big impact and has opened his eyes."
2011-2012 Parent
"My daughter enjoyed the fun experiments and learning. She learned how science is fun. The program is wonderful."
2011-2012 Parent
Volunteer Quotes
"I enjoyed interacting with the young people and seeing their enthusiasm for life and aviation."
2011-2012 Volunteer
"The excitement and curiosity shown by the DoD STARBASE students during the demos is a very rewarding experience."
2011-2012 Volunteer
"Interacting with the students was extremely rewarding. DoD STARBASE Instructors and the visiting classroom teachers were appreciative of my time and effort."
2011-2012 Volunteer
2012-2013
20 schools, 60 teachers, & 766 students
Participant Quotes
"They always taught you to not give up and to keep trying. I never knew how important science and math were and how much fun they are, as well."
2012-2013 Student – Bosque Farms Elementary School
"My teacher was awesome. If you are afraid of going, don't be. I learned all about physics, chemistry, and math. It was great."
2012-2013 Student – Home School
"A fun way to learn about math, science, and flying. You get to learn about careers in engineeinrng which is very exciting! I learned science is more than a bunch of numbers."
2012-2013 Student – Home School
"The most amazing math and science trip you'll ever see!"
2012-2013 Student – North Star Elementary School
"You get to learn about molecules, maps, robotics, computers and most of all science."
2012-2013 Student – Petroglyph Elementary School
"One of my girls said she thought she wanted to be a teacher because she had not been exposed to many careers or experiences. Now she says she may want to be an engineer. Loved it!"
2012-2013 Teacher – Bosque Farms Elementary School
"The best part about having my students participate is the multi sensory activities that engage students while addressing national and state science standards."
2012-2013 Teacher – Edgewood Elementary School
"Most of my students became more scientific. They didn't know of all things involved in science - including the math part."
2012-2013 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"Students are able to apply their knowledge of science. I am very impressed with the level of exposure to technology as well."
2012-2013 Teacher – North Star Elementary School
2013-2014
14 schools, 42 teachers, & 591 students
Participant Quotes
"It may be a bit of a challenge, but it is funner than going to Cliff's Amusement Park."
2013-2014 Student – Bosque Farms Elementary School
"I love the experiments. It makes me want to be an engineer."
2013-2014 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"It was so fascinating! I wish they had one in every city so other kids could experience this amazing program. I learned so much, like Netwon's Laws of Motion. Before I came here, I didn't even know who Newton was."
2013-2014 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"I am more interested in science, technology, engineering and math because I know that there is more out in the world than I ever thought."
2013-2014 Student – East San Jose Elementary School
"I really like STARBASE because they said you can be anything in the world. It made me think differently about if I want to go to college. I didn't think I wanted to go, but I am going to college."
2013-2014 Student – Emerson Elementary School
"STARBASE taught us to grow up and be something!"
2013-2014 Student – Lowell Elementary School
"We are thrilled with this program and the opportunities it gives our students. Our students are able to do hands-on activities that we can't reproduce in the classroom. Students are making connections to what they learn here both to their lives and the curriculum in our class."
2013-2014 Teacher – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"I love my students having access to so many new activities, because we are limited at schools. The students are now talking about how they want to become a scientist or engineer."
2013-2014 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"Students are able to demonstrate responsibility and they become part of the learning. All the hands-on activities support lessons taught and students are able to understand the chemistry lessons."
2013-2014 Teacher – Mesa View Elementary School
"Students who were unfamiliar with or did not care for math and science gained valuable experience with STEM activities and had fun!"
2013-2014 Teacher – Sandia Base Elementary School
"These field trip days are ones we all look forward to because students and participating adults all learn so much!"
2013-2014 Teacher – Seven Bar Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"When she would come home after her trips she was excited and amazed. She is thinking about science in many ways. This program has had an impact on my child's thinking!"
2013-2014 Parent
"This program teachers kid there are endless possibilities."
2013-2014 Parent
"He enjoyed every single thing. No doubt about it."
2013-2014 Parent
"The program has a great curriculum. The program stimulates interest in learning STEM. It allows the children to explore further into reasoning behind STEM."
2013-2014 Parent
"I have 3 kids that have participated several years running. My daughter has said she wants to be an engineer. I believe this is directly related to the work you do at the AFRL NM STEM Academy."
2013-2014 Parent
2014-2015
22 schools, 54 teachers, & 893 students
Participant Quotes
"Three words: Better than Disneyland."
2014-2015 Student – 21st Century Public Academy
"I would describe my time at STARBASE by saying, 'I was a scientist.' I learned so much. They showed me how to use the computer to make something on a 3D printer."
2014-2015 Student – Baca/Dlo’Ay Azhi Community School
"My experience at DoD STARBASE was amazing! I never knew that there was such a thing as a 3D printer. I also didn't know about plasma. It was also so fun with the liquid nitrogen."
2014-2015 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"I didn't much like science, and I thought DoD STARBASE was going to be boring, but this is the most fun I've had all year at school."
2014-2015 Student – Emerson Elementary School
"Shockingly Fun! Shockingly fun because everything that we did, I wouldn't have thought would be possible. What made it so fun is we actually got to do everything."
2014-2015 Student – Sandia Base Elementary School
"The laboratory style classroom is great for teamwork activities. Students really take these activities seriously and work together to learn the materials. My students continue to discuss topics they learned about after the day is over."
2014-2015 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"I don't know who enjoys coming here more, the students or me. I enjoy watching their excitement, and seeing how much information they have retained. The question each week for me from them is, 'When do we go to STARBASE?'."
2014-2015 Teacher – Painted Sky Elementary School
"I love that my kids now know that they have so many choices of careers that involve topics they like and excel at. This is a great program and I highly recommend it to others. It's a wonderful way to expose kids to exciting, meaningful, and educational topics that we use in the 'real' world."
2014-2015 Teacher – North Star Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"Every time my son came home, he was so excited to tell me about everything they got to do. He brought home a CO2 car, 3D printed key chain, and a Space Station he designed using CAD software. He loved it and is sad it's over. I wish there was a way he could go the entire school year. It was wonderful to see my son excited to go back and excited about learning."
2014-2015 Parent
"My son could not wait for Fridays. He came home excited every week. We would love if the program is longer."
2014-2015 Parent
"When I asked my son what he learned in your program he said, 'Whoa, A LOT.' He has always loved science, but this program made him realize that becoming an engineer is truly a possibility for him. After this program, he has an even greater desire than ever before to become an engineer or scientist of some sort."
2014-2015 Parent
"Oh wow, you guys have an amazing program. My daughter was talking about everything you were doing. She talked about the 3D printer, building cars, the egg crashing, and how to fly a plane and land it. I'm glad there is a program like this for students."
2014-2015 Parent
"Henry raved about activities daily! He really liked the 3D printing and design. He came home on the first day and downloaded Creo so he could design things at home. Please do more!"
2014-2015 Parent
"I think this program is awesome, and I just want to thank you all for the effort, love, and support to our kids. I am so happy that my daughter is now interested in programming, but even happier she feels it is something she can achieve."
2014-2015 Parent
2015-2016
17 schools, 69 teachers, & 987 students
Participant Quotes
"A fun place to learn in a different way. My favorite activity was Eggbert, because we had money to worry about, and we couldn't just get whatever we want."
2015-2016 Student – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"It's like playing and you're actually learning."
2015-2016 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"I had a blast at STARBASE. Every day we did something new. I thought it would be hard, but it turns out it was fund and challenging."
2015-2016 Student – Hope Christian School
"It was so much fun being at STARBASE and learning about STEM. Maybe someday I'll get a job with STEM."
2015-2016 Student – Moriarity Elementary School
"It was really great! We did so many fun activities, and I discovered my LOVE for STEM!"
2015-2016 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"A great exposure to math applications for science and the ability to collaborate in teams. The program was enjoyable for students and teachers."
2015-2016 Teacher – Emerson Elementary School
"The program gave a wealth of information of what the students have previously learned or are about to learn in our classroom setting. Most everything the students were doing integrated, encouraged, and confirmed skills and kept them stimulated. This is so engaging.
2015-2016 Teacher – Hope Christian School
"DoD STARBASE is my favorite fieldtrip. I enjoy watching students improve in the STEM areas. The staff is always helpful and the students who have specific learning disabilities do not have difficulty following along and participating in all activities."
2015-2016 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"All my students love science time now. As an arts major I didn't feel extremely confident teaching science, but now I feel eager and excited to teach science, and become a better science teacher."
2015-2016 Teacher – Seven Bar Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"My daughter loved all of it and now wants to pursue science."
2015-2016 Parent
"My daughter was eager to share what she learned after each STARBASE class. This program is priceless. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. She truly enjoyed every minute of the program. We appreciate the hands-on activities and exposure to science. The experience really opened her eyes to new areas of science. It is important for our female students to be aware of the endless opportunities of science and other careers."
2015-2016 Parent
"He loved it! He learned so much in 5 days. He liked learning the principles and how to apply them in real life. My son enjoyed PTC Creo so much, he got the student version at home. It is very important for kids this age to learn about the different opportunities STEM careers provide. This program is great because it engages them. They have fun and learn."
2015-2016 Parent
"You introduced kids into math, science and engineering in a way that is fun and interesting to them. Alyssa felt like an adult in a real working environment."
2015-2016 Parent
"My daugther really enjoyed technology and chemistry. She learned what chemicals can do to you ,good and bad. She learned how technology allows people to communicate and help."
2015-2016 Parent
"WOW - What a GREAT program! Our 11 year old came home from each STARBASE trip excited to tell us about what he learned - he really seemed to understand the topics discussed and he thoroughly enjoyed the activities."
2015-2016 Parent
"My daughter never thought about science as a possible career. Since attending she has increased her enthusiasm and awareness of how the sciences evolve as careers in the future. She loved everything!"
2015-2016 Parent
2016-2017
22 schools, 61 teachers, & 1,030 students
Participant Quotes
"I loved it. It was a place I learned about new careers. We did all kinds of fun activities. It was a dream come true."
2016-2017 Student – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"A fun learning experience, not like school at all! You will love this experience whether you are 9 or 99."
2016-2017 Student – Hope Christian School
"I love it to the Moon and back, because the people there are so fun to be with and I love all the experiments we did."
2016-2017 Student – Mesa View Elementary School
"It was the best time in my life."
2016-2017 Student – Sandia Base Elementary School
"I had tons of fun, and learned things that I never would imagine. It was so great. I wish I could stay longer."
2016-2017 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"My experience at DoD STARBASE NM was the funnest learning experience I've ever had in my life! STARBASE made me like science and math a lot better."
2016-2017 Student – Sundance Elementary School
"The best thing about STARBASE is the solid STEM instruction that goes along with our standards. Students are much more aware of the process, and are much more interested in continuing lessons in the classroom and are using the vocabulary introduced."
2016-2017 Teacher – 21st Century Public Academy
"Everything was great, but the integrated math activities are excellent for my students."
2016-2017 Teacher – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"Hands-on experiences clearly demonstrated scientific concepts for all students, including students with disabilities and newcomers. This was an amazing opportunity for our students, truly once in a lifetime."
2016-2017 Teacher – Emerson Elementary School
"The students love coming to this program and learn by working together. The resources and technology provided are not available at our school. The teachers and assistants are very knowledgeable and are great with the kids."
2016-2017 Teacher – Holy Ghost Catholic School
"Every year I enjoy the program more. Students ask when we are going as soon as school starts, because they have heard about it in previous grades."
2016-2017 Teacher – Seven Bar Elementary School
"I love to see their enthusiasm and discover what critical thinkers they can be at this age! They have a much better understanding about what STEM is and have more confidence when tackling a new challenge. It was fun seeing my kids learning such advanced concepts and enjoying it."
2016-2017 Teacher – Sundance Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"My son said it was 'perfect'! He loved it and said it was really fun. The teachers were great. It seem to really open up his eyes about studying engineering."
2016-2017 Parent
"My child loved this program. He told us, in detail, about the activities every time he came home."
2016-2017 Parent
"My daughter absolutely loved this program. PTC Creo was her favorite."
2016-2017 Parent
"She really enjoyed the 3D printer. She was nervous about learning Chemistry. Her cousin told her it was hard, but she said she enjoyed learning about it with STARBASE. It sparked an interest that she didn't have before."
2016-2017 Parent
"I think the students learned many concepts they couldn't learn in a classroom through all the hands-on experiments."
2016-2017 Parent
2017-2018
20 schools, 50 teachers, & 997 students
Senator Martin Heinrich visits DoD STARBASE NM classroom
Participant Quotes
"Your program at DoD STARBASE encouraged me to become an electrical engineer and you don't have to improve unless you want to."
2017-2018 Student – Albuquerque School of Excellence
"I had a great time and it was a blast. And now I see how science helps the world in so many ways."
2017-2018 Student – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"My experience was amazing. If you go to STARBASE then you will do lots of fun activiteis and expeiments. Also you will even do programming on the computer."
2017-2018 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"I would describe DoD STARBASE as a place you can be what you want and learning is actually fun here. I would love to come here again."
2017-2018 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"I would say that it as one of the best parts of my 5th grade year."
2017-2018 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"Half of my class gets special educaton services. They dont' have a lot of confidence in their academic abilites. They never felt this way at DoD STARBASE."
2017-2018 Teacher – Lowell Elementary School
"Thank you so much for this wonderful program. Our students are not exposed to PTC software, liquid nitrogen, LEGO robot programming, etc. We brought 9 special education students and they never missed school on the days that we came to Kirtland AFB."
2017-2018 Teacher – Mesa View Elementary School
"We do STEM Wednesdays because of student excitement and engagement at DoD STARBASE. We complete DoD STARBASE NM follow-up activities."
2017-2018 Teacher – Route 66 Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"She enjoyed the different activities. She mentioned that she would be interested in studying to become a NASA engineer based on what she learned during the class."
2017-2018 Parent
"In a normal classroom it is difficult to give kids the experiences they had while in STARBASE. This was a great program. The kids loved it and learned things without even knowing they were learning it. I saw kids smiling and engaged that normally aren't."
2017-2018 Parent
"He enjoyed making the car and doing the experiments. It's the only time he tells me about his day at school. He explained the experiments to me."
2017-2018 Parent
"Nickole enjoyed all aspects of STARBASE. Each day that she got home she talked non-stop."
2017-2018 Parent
2018-2019
20 schools, 67 teachers, & 1,209 students
2 fully dedicated DoD STARBASE NM classrooms
Participant Quotes
"My experience was awesome and I had a really great time. I think I have got better and smarter than when I came."
2018-2019 Student – 21st Century Public Academy
"That it was fun in an actual learning way that we weren't just sitting there reading books. We got to have fun while learning."
2018-2019 Student – Hope Christian School
"It made learning fun and every minute was awesome. I was sad to leave."
2018-2019 Student – Home School
"It was like I was a scientist myself and the teachers are amazing!!!
2018-2019 Student – Peralta Elementary School
"I would say that you learn lots of things, it's also really fun. You also see lots of cool things and think it's magic, but it's science. It's just amazing."
2018-2019 Student – Sandia Base Elementary School
"I thought STARBASE was going to be boring until I got there and it changed my world."
2018-2019 Student – Seven Bar Elementary School
"I think students can now imagine themselves possibly pursuing a STEM career because of the connection to real life situations that involve STEM."
2018-2019 Teacher – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"Student didn't realize they could learn STEM in on day! They realized they could learn all content ELA, math, science, plus SS in a unit. It's all tied toether."
2018-2019 Teacher – Sandia Base Elementary School
"Students are making connections between STEM, life-on-the-daily, consumer products, and the professionals that work in STEM careers. It's added more context when we engage in other activities."
2018-2019 Teacher – Valle Vista Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"My child has a fairly severe form of dyslexia. Hearing him excited about science & math is beyond thrilling. He was engaged & is excited about future trips. Keep it up!"
2018-2019 Parent
"My daughter has loved every part of STARBASE. She gets excited each time she goes and comes home talking about it nonstop."
2018-2019 Parent
"Ryan enjoyed all the sessions. He couldn't stop talking about what he learned, especially the chemistry session. After the physics session he came home and told me how Newton's 3 laws of motion impact us in our lives."
2018-2019 Parent
"She loved the whole experience! She enjoyed meeting female scientists."
2018-2019 Parent
"Everything I observed was amazing and I admit that I learned a lot myself! I liked watching the students think through different processes, problem solve, and work as a team. Really appreciated all the thing the students were exposed to."
2018-2019 Parent
2019-2020
27 schools, 78 teachers, & 1,279 students
Participant Quotes
"Me gustan CO2 Rocket Dragsters porque me gustan los caros y tenian turbo!" (I like the CO2 Rocket Dragsters because I like cars and they had turbo!)
2019-2020 Student – Emerson Elementary School
"It was unbelievably cool and fun. I wish I could do it every day. It took thinking, but it was very fun."
2019-2020 Student – Katherine Gallegos Elementary School
"My favorite activity at STARBASE was the chromatography because I want to be a detective. Being here gives me ideas on crafts I can do instead of playing video games at home. I would give it a 10/10 star rating. It was awesome."
2019-2020 Student – Katherine Gallegos Elementary School
"Magical. The most fun thing I've done in my life. I've learned so much."
2019-2020 Student – Sandia Base Elementary School
"They Cryo demonstration was fun because I have never seen liquid nitrogen. It's one of those things most people don't get to see."
2019-2020 Student – Sandia Base Elementary School
"We did what famous people do. I thought that it was so fun."
2019-2020 Student – Sundance Elementary School
"You learn a lot. You do so much experimenting. Before, I didn't like science, but now I do."
2019-2020 Student – Sundance Elementary School
"You have science experiments that would be hard or impossible to do in the classroom. I like that they see Air Force personnel and can ask them questions."
2019-2020 Teacher – Christ Lutheran School
"The best thing about having my students participate was the ability to experience a wide variety of science and math activities and technologies that we would normally not be exposed to in our everyday classroom. STEM has the stigma of being 'nerdy' or for 'smart' kids only. This broke down that barrier, showing that anyone can participate in STEM. It's more than just academics, it involves creativity."
2019-2020 Teacher – Katherine Gallegos Elementary School
"This was such an amazing opportunity for the kids and myself. I did notice that a few of my SPED kids just soared! I was able to see some students show a great interest in STEM and was able to nominate them for the national youth leadership forum: Pathways to STEM Summer Institute."
2019-2020 Teacher – Mission Avenue Elementary School
"I witness the benefits throughout the school year, because my students never forget. They talk about STARBASE constantly. They associate through vocabulary that comes up in schools and I hear, 'Remember, Ms. Spike said or did' all the time. Through this program this class was energized about science!"
2019-2020 Teacher – Peralta Elementary School
"I appreciated the opportunity for less secure children to do hands-on activities and build internal security about their abilities. It did help me feel more secure as a science teacher. Personal growth for insecure learners was here."
2019-2020 Teacher – Wherry Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"My daughter was very happy and she enjoyed everything. She also said that this program helped her to decide that she would like to study astronomy."
2019-2020 Parent
"She was impressed by all the cool and interesting things that can be done with science. I am thankful for the exposure. Kids need to know that science is fun. And REAL!"
2019-2020 Parent
"He discovered that he likes science more than he thought. Now he feels capable of doing projects, and that excites him."
2019-2020 Parent
"The experiential learning is valuable. The small team sizes allow for collaboration from every student. Students follow parameters with allowances for creativity and are supported (but not too much) in the hands-on process."
2019-2020 Parent
"Prior to STARBASE, my daughter did not get excited about science or see her future in science. After the first day, she excelled with the activity and talked nonstop about her experiences. She looks forward to it every week!"
2019-2020 Parent
"Each week was a new adventure. Our daughter enjoyed talking with the scientist wo worked with liquid nitrogen. She also enjoyed working on the computer program designing lab modules and the space station."
2019-2020 Parent
2020-2021
27 schools, 51 teachers, & 1,079 students
Virtual program delivery
Participant Quotes
"I got to be a scientist for 5 days and create things!"
2020-2021 Student – 21st Century Public Academy
"I would describe it as a fun place where you get to become a better scientist, engineer, and a lot more."
2020-2021 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"Even though it was on Zoom, it was amazing. It was the one thing that was exciting in 2020 and it was an exciting adventure."
2020-2021 Student – Sundance Elementary School
"It was awesome because not only was I learning, I was doing fun experiments that I enjoyed."
2020-2021 Student – The International School at Mesa del Sol
"I loved that DoD STARBASE continued remotely. My students always love attending this program so I'm very thankful we got to do it this year. Many of my students do not enjoy remote learning, but they looked forward to DoD STARBASE. Thank you!"
2020-2021 Teacher – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"Just having this opportunity was huge! The students were so excited every week before, during, and after STARBASE. They loved sharing what thy did at home . . . even though we all did it. It sparked a lot of great conversations and students were making connections to previously introduced topics and as we moved through our curriculum to new topics."
2020-2021 Teacher – South Mountain Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"This STARBASE program is incredible. I cannot imagine a more meaningful way for my son to spend a day in his room. I know you've said how amazing this is in person, but we are new here and it is plenty amazing for us. My son is coming alive building his Rube Goldberg machine right now. He's growing right before my eyes!"
2020-2021 Parent
"My son was really excited with the projects he worked on and the things he learned. I'm glad you found a way to still have his program in this COVID environment."
2020-2021 Parent
"My son really enjoyed the class. He learned many scientific principles in a fun way. He showed what he learned to everyone in the family and tried to use other things in the house to repeat those."
2020-2021 Parent
"My child just didn't like the program, he 'loved it!' He liked that he was able to build things and they worked. He saw how science was applied and how energy worked."
2020-2021 Parent
"My child was eager and excited to learn and create. She showed all of our family how she created each project and what made it work. It was very interesting to her as well as to all of us."
2020-2021 Parent
2021-2022
27 schools, 69 teachers, & 1,434 students
3 fully dedicated DoD STARBASE NM classrooms
Participant Quotes
"I learned robotics, coding, science, circuit boards, CO2 cars, and used 3D printing software."
2021-2022 Student – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"STARBASE was insanely cool, you get to learn and experiment with cool things. It was awesome. Eggbert was great to start off it was my favorite our of all. STARBASE is AMAZING KEEP BEING AMAZING!"
2021-2022 Student – Inez Elementary School
"I would say that it is the best field trip I have ever been to. It was so cool to learn stuff and do fun stuff and learn more about STEM. You guys are really good and really fun. I had the time of my life while I was at STARBASE. There was so much fun stuff to do."
2021-2022 Student – Route 66 Elementary School
"It is the best thing ever. You got to do a lot of chemistry and science and it was fun being at a base."
2021-2022 Student – South Mountain Elementary School
"It was so fun we got to do chemistry and robotics and so much more. I whish I could do it all year. My favorite part was the little bits."
2021-2022 Student – The International School at Mesa del Sol
"The instructors were knowledgeable, fun, and had excellent classroom management. They made the information interesting to learn and at my students' level. The hands-on activities were incredible and the experience of being on base was a treat for them. My class left everyday excited about what they had learned and what they were going to learn the next class. STARBASE has definitely showed my students that STEM activities can be fun and interesting. Having my class attend STARBASE has lowered their anxiety around science, chemistry, and engineering."
2021-2022 Teacher -Bellehaven Elementary School
"I think you have really established great activities for students to do. Most students really enjoy all the activities , even my low students. I saw them really engaged and demonstrating a side of them that I don't see in our own classroom. I can see some of my students going into programming and into STEM related careers in the future thanks to STARBASE."
2021-2022 Teacher – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"DoD STARBASE is amazing and enjoyed by all of the children. Having hands-on and including technology and math is a huge benefit for students. Interactive opportunities are also a plus. Thank you so much for the amazing opportunities and amazing instructors!"
2021-2022 Teacher – Katherine Gallegos Elementary School
"Many students get their only chance to work with materials and experiments, which made this an awesome opportunity for them. That was the best part of my students' participation."
2021-2022 Teacher – Manzano Mesa Elementary School
Parent Quotes
"I am a huge fan. This is my 3rd child to attend STARBASE and my 5th child in the program. We've done STARBASE, both TECH Missions, Mission to Mars, and Robotics and there hasn't been a weak spot in the group."
2021-2022 Parent
"We thought it was well organized and clearly captivated the kids' attention."
2021-2022 Parent
"They were so excited to share all they learned. They were reading in our own science curriculum about atoms, and they told me all about what they learned about the atoms of liquids, solids, and gasses with you. They told me that they learned they need to be honorable to work in the STEM fields. They learned about H2O. They told me that flight simulators are NOT games but a real way to learn."
2021-2022 Parent
"My son enjoyed the entire program. He woke up early on the mornings of the field trip and could barely contain his excitement. He would explain what he learned every session in detail which is not common for him on a typical day of school."
20121-2022 Parent
"All three of my kids have now experience STARBASE and every visits was memorable as is."
2021-2022 Parent
Volunteer Quotes
"The DoD STARBASE program is so important in helping to motivate these young students in the Albuquerque area, many of which are definitely having to work through some tough circumstances. I remember on a few occasions some students sadly saying they weren't sure if they would make it to high school, and after my presentation I was able to have a great discussion with these kids motivating them to have a goal and stick with school. Introducing STEM subjects and answering any / all of their questions is an absolute joy and I will continue to do this as long as I live in the area."
2021-2022 Volunteer
"Working with STARBASE is one of the highlights of the season! I love seeing all the different solutions the students come up with to solve various problems, and it's really fun engaging with them and hearing their presentations. You can really see how excited and involved the students get for the whole program."
2021-2022 Volunteer
2022-2023
38 schools, 112 teachers, & 2,043 students
Participant Quotes
"It was fun because I felt like I was a scientist!"
2022-2023 Student – Albuquerque School of Excellence
"We got to talk to a real pilot! It was a lot of fun!"
2022-2023 Student – Carlos Rey Elementary School
"STARBASE is fun and the best thing on Earth!"
2022-2023 Student – Holy Ghost Catholic School
"It is a great place to learn and use teamwork to solve problems."
2022-2023 Student – Home School
"It was awesome because I learned new things and I could probably use it in the future."
2022-2023 Student – Wherry Elementary School
"The best thing about having my students participate in STARBASE this year is that my students are shown that science is actually fun and that it isn't something they need to be afraid of. That science doesn't have to do with how smart you are but how curious you are. I feel like this is especially important for the girls in my classroom."
2022-2023 Teacher – Bellehaven Elementary School
"STARBASE is such a unique and incredible experience for these kids. I love how every day they are sitting with a new group of kids and expected to work as a team. The kids have shared with me how much they enjoyed their trips to STARBASE."
2022-2023 Teacher – Dolores Gonzales Elementary School
"Seeing how the things they love can be applied to a future career, hands-on activities, and building confidence in my students (especially those that are special ed)."
2022-2023 Teacher – Lavaland Elementary School
"You all are amazing, the science that you teach our students is beyond measure. In the public school setting we neither have the time nor the opportunity to provide the lessons with the tools and knowledge that STARBASE provides."
2022-2023 Teacher – Peralta Elementary School
"This group has made so many outside connections with what they are learning in STARBASE. They even created their spelling list based on Newton's Laws of Motion."
2022-2023 Teacher – The International School at Mesa del Sol
Parent Quotes
"The experience was amazing. My son enjoyed going every week. He learned so much. The staff were kind. He came home every day so excited to tell me all the things he learned and did."
2022-2023 Parent
"My daughter loved the hands-on, immersive activities each week. She's expressed an interest in STEAM and this program helped her narrow her focus on 2 areas, tech and engineering. She really enjoyed the creative process, especially coding and Eggbert!"
2022-2023 Parent
"My daughter loved the variety of projects and activities across the program but also within each day. She enjoyed working with her team each week to accomplish something together. She gained experience with Onshape and this also helped her with her computer skills in general. She was excited to undertake experiments with high tech equipment. She did mention that she had to play a role in different activities. Although she may not understand it now, I felt that was a valuable component of this program - introducing students to STEM concepts but also tying this learning to real world occupations and career opportunities."
2022-2023 Parent
2023-2024
44 schools, 104 teachers, & 2,157 students