Boise State University’s fifth annual Aerospace Day lifted off Feb. 28. Students, staff, faculty and clubs brought the experiences and the wonders of science to life for middle and high school students from Boise, Nampa, Caldwell and Marsing to explore aerospace, aeronautical and aviation studies through hands-on activities and presentations.
Volunteers from across industry, government and communities such as Nampa and Caldwell public libraries, Idaho Air National Guard and College of Western Idaho Physics Club offered programming and experience for students to engage with science.
Boise State clubs, including the Physics and Astronomy Club, Microgravity Team, the Aerospace Club and others gave students opportunities to learn and alongside college students and learn more about higher education.
Students also had the opportunity to watch a presentation given by former NASA astronaut and Distinguished Educator in Residence Steve Swanson.
Aerospace Day was funded by the NASA EPSCOR program under grant #80NSSC17M0029 awarded to Professor David Estrada of the Micron School of Material Science and Engineering. The event was organized by Megan Gambs with support from Twylla Lane-Hall both of the Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives.
“When students share their plans for their futures and moments of insight, with comments like, ‘I didn’t know you could do that for a career’,” said Gambs. “Witnessing these moments is what drives me in planning for next year.”