PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- STARBASE Peterson offers students the opportunity to supplement their science and math curriculum through 25 hours of science, technology, engineering, and math at Peterson Space Force Base.
The academy was founded in 2014 and is one of 70 STARBASE sites and the only one in Colorado.
“The developmentally based curriculum is standardized, cutting-edge, research-based instruction that meets math and science standards,” said Sarah Knox, STARBASE Peterson director. “The combined classes offer ‘hands-on’ experience with the program open to students in public, private, charter and homeschool settings.”
Airmen and Guardians stationed at Peterson SFB or Schriever SFB are able to volunteer at STARBASE Peterson and interact with the students.
“We have guest speakers talk with each class of students to provide direct contact and mentorship for students,” said Knox. “In addition, STARBASE Peterson is looking to grow into a STARBASE 2.0 program, which will depend heavily on dedicated Airmen and Guardians willing to contribute 20 plus hours as middle school students engage in an after-school, STEM-project-based learning environment.”
According to the DoD STARBASE Annual Report for 2020, military volunteers provide students with additional linkages between education and application. They may serve as guest lecturers to explain the use of STEM in different careers or act as base tour guides highlighting the use of STEM concepts in their missions and giving students access to military facilities and operations.
The academy’s primary mission is fifth grade classes, public, private, charter and homeschools all participate in the program. The program is a year-round program where classes of 20 to 35 students attend a five-day program for five hours a day totaling 25 hours.
STARBASE Academies are not exclusive to one branch, academies can be found at National Guard, Marine, Air Force Reserve, Army, Air Force and Space Force bases across the nation.
The goal of the program is to provide an outstanding, STEM educational experience for students and teachers in a hands-on, high-tech, discovery and inquiry based environment on a military installation.