Until recently, 7th-grader Caitlin Norris wanted to be a massage therapist when she grew up, but now thinks she may become a pilot after taking computer simulated flying lessons in Preston Middle School’s enrichment classes.

“I’m considering becoming a pilot and going into aviation because of this class,” said Caitlin.

“Yes!” exclaimed John Howe, Preston assistant principal. “We want to encourage students to consider science and engineering careers like aviation and aerospace, especially girls. Preston enrichment classes are a gateway for students to explore their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).” A Preston student at flight simulator controls.

Howe coordinates Preston’s STEM program which includes MathCounts™, Science Olympiad, robotics, wireless communications, adventures in engineering, life science, software design, and girls in science through 45-minute enrichment class every afternoon.

“Our assumption is that kids make life choices all through school, beginning at a young age,” Howe said. “So we give them choices in math, science and engineering, and hope students will experience science at least four times before leaving Preston through a class, club or activity. Four years ago we saw 30 students with at least one STEM experience---this year we hope to see 800 different STEM experiences.”

Although boys have been the primary participants in flight simulation classes, it is now growing in popularity among girls, and Catlin is one of seven girls in this year’s class. Students experience flight using a flight yoke controller and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Howe, who is also a licensed pilot, gives lessons as Caitlin and her classmates log flying hours in a virtual Cessna 172 SP, flying upwind, crosswind, downwind and back to base at 6,000 feet before making their final approach and landing on Fort Collins Loveland Airport’s runway 33.

The class will eventually visit the airport, tour the flight school and climb aboard a real Cessna 172, courtesy of Jack Taylor, owner of Flying School at the FCLV airport. Later in the year, United Airlines flight instructor Walt Dorlac, will visit.

Shepardson Elementary School also has a STEM focus for students, teaching curriculum aligned with academic and National Science Education Standards that promote 21st century skills. This inquiry-based approach to instruction within a project-based learning model integrates science, technology, engineering and math, along with a strong focus on wellness and the arts.

Preston’s STEM venture is supported by Sprig toys, Agilent, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Woodward Governor Company, and Cargill. Preston kicked off its STEM focus last year with a summer institute in June 2009. Watch students making ham radios in the PSD Channel 10 video below.