By Malerie Shelton-Mshelton@navalaviationmuseum.org

“Squadron Teamwork” takes place Saturday, Dec. 17, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 December 9, 2016 –Pensacola, Fl—Thanks to a generous donation, the National Flight Academy’s December STEM Saturdays program — an introductory science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program designed for children in kindergarten through 6th grade — will be sponsored.

STEM Saturday programs cost between $40-$50 per child, including labor and product costs. Thanks to the generous AT&T donation, the National Flight Academy is able to run the December program at just $30 per child.

The STEM Saturday program allows students to explore the principles of flight and aerodynamics by flying the T-6 Texan II in state-of-the-art simulators as well as constructing and testing paper airplanes and other STEM related themes. This opportunity provides hands-on experience with a focused curriculum that engages local students in STEM education tenets.

Like the NFA’s other programs, STEM Saturdays are designed to address the serious concerns of declining science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in our country. The Academy’s mission is to inspire students to pursue STEM academic and professional paths. Through the STEM Saturday program, the National Flight Academy appeals to younger elementary-aged children.

“This month, students will participate in STEM activities that stimulate trust to create a stronger squadron,” said Malerie Shelton with the National Flight Academy. “Through role play activities, children will learn to trust their teammates which is extremely important to the success of any squadron.”

December’s STEM Saturday topic is “Squadron Teamwork” and takes place on Dec. 17. Visit the website to register before Dec. 13 as space is limited for each session. Registration is $30 per child and lunch is provided. STEM Saturday is from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and are open to children in Kindergarten-6th grade.

About the National Flight Academy

The National Flight Academy, located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida, is designed to address the serious concerns of declining Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills and standards in our country. The Academy’s mission is to inspire students who subsequently return to their parent schools and seek out the more challenging courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The NFA is a self-supporting, tuition-based educational program. In order to make the National Flight Academy adventure a reality for as many students as possible, we are committed to a financial aid program that enables a demographically and geographically diverse student population to attend. We welcome support from individuals, corporations and foundations for both our scholarship program and general operation funds. The National Flight Academy, a program of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation Inc., is authorized but not endorsed or funded by the U.S. Navy or U.S. Government.