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By MC2 Katrina Paker

North Versailles, Penn --Building roller coasters, launching rockets and flying aircraft are not the typical things every fifth grader gets to enjoy during a normal school day, but thanks to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Pittsburgh, hundreds of students every year are able to learn these difficult concepts in a fun and exciting way.

NOSC Pittsburgh hosts the Department of Defense (DoD) STARBASE-Atlantis a premier educational program.  Since 2002, the Pittsburgh academy has taught thousands of fifth grade students with "hands-on, minds-on" activities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).  STEM is taught through the real-world application of aviation, physics, chemistry, computer-aided design, simulation and more.  Students from 12 schools in seven area school districts participate in a five-day program with 25 hours of motivating academic experiences.

"This program is unique for us because NOSC Pittsburgh is the only NOSC in the country that hosts it," said NOSC Pittsburgh Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Flecker. "This is a great way for Sailors to help under served school districts."

STARBASE targets at-risk school populations including minority and low socio-economic students who may have trouble during school with STEM subjects.  By using real-world and hands-on projects, children have shown remarkable  progress in these challenging areas.

"Kids who are at risk or have behavioral problems at school typically have no problems here," said Ken Mechling, director for STARBASE-Atlantis Pittsburgh. "We teach respect and we make learning fun and exciting.  We don't use a book -  we use our hands.  This way, kids who may otherwise be lower achievers can excel here, because they can demonstrate their skills with their hands."

Some activities include students working in small groups as an "engineering team" to solve challenges.  They are given age appropriate materials to plan, design and construct roller coasters, or work individually to build and launch their own Estes model rockets.  Students also 'fly' aircraft, via flight simulators, and visit the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh to learn about robots, light, motion and other topics. Most activities are done at the NOSC, which provides a great opportunity for the young students to interact with the Sailors and hopefully give them a more positive outlook on the military.

"For those Sailors who actively participate in the program, it is a wonderful experience for them," Flecker said.  "Many of these kids do not have role models, so the Sailors are able to see the immediate impact they make on these children's lives."

Machinists Mate 2nd Class Henry Rome, assigned to NOSC Pittsburgh, said the program is a great way for Sailors to inspire children and help their community.

"At the end of the program the kids see us not only as Sailors but as real good friends," Rome said."While the kids are in the program we build a bond, and they will leave the center with a positive image of the military and a new friend."

One student from Bernadette Elementary School said that the best part of the whole program was getting to meet new people and learn more about the military.

"I liked STARBASE because I was around U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines and now I have new friends."

Students, teachers and parents who have been a part of the STARBASE-Atlantis Pittsburgh program have consistently rated the course highly.  Assessments following completion of each class have shown that the children who have attended leave with raised interest and improved knowledge, skills and attitudes in STEM and an overall better attitude toward school.

"STARBASE offers all learning types, styles, and behaviors an opportunity to get excigted about education with a focus in science, math, engineering and technology," said a Penn Hebron Elementary School fifth grade teacher.

The program runs continuously throughout the school year, with an anticipated 28-36 classes conducted this year."

A five-day program doesn't change the world, but it may change little pieces of the world," Mechling said.

There are more than 60 STARBASE programs throughout  the U.S. and Puerto Rico, and  funded and operated by the DoD and implemented by most military services.  The program proves to be a productive investment in the future of our youth and aims to help build the talent pool of potential workers needed to support the DoD workforce.