The addition of a structured field trip program at the Reno Air Races proved to be a great success for the second straight year.

Uncertain of its success, the STEM-supporting field trip program was introduced at the 2015 Reno Air Races without any proven and past success. However, by working with key affiliates, the formalized program found immediate success.

Based on demand from schools, affiliates and, most importantly, the students, the Aviation Learning Center was expanded for the second year of the field trip program’s new format. As a result, over 3,000 students received class instruction in multiple topics, engaged in hands-on learning activities, met college and career leaders, visited with air racing teams, and watched exciting racing.

Special thanks to the following for making the field trip program a real success.

Aircraft & Rocketry Classroom Tent

Greg Stanley (aka Doc Rocket), Joe Rajacic, and Zach

This team conducted classes on aircraft, flight, and rocketry. They also orchestrated hands-on activities, allowing the students to fly aircraft through special simulators, launch rockets, and fly drones.

Space Ex Classroom Tent

Challenger Learning Center and The Discovery Museum & Science Center

The two organizations teamed together to conduct classes and activities on the Science of Flight as a cohesive unit.

UAS Classroom Tent

Reza Karamooz and his students from GRADD, and Kirk Ellern and Rob Dunbar from Above NV

These statewide leaders in the unmanned aerial vehicle industry conducted classes, demonstrated drone flying, taught students how to fly drones through simulators, and encouraged students to fly the real things.

Careers & Industry Tent

The following organizations exhibited in the tent: Civil Air Patrol, Damonte Ranch High School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Experimental Aircraft Association, PSA Airlines, University of Nevada (Cyber-Security department) Washoe County School District Nutritional Services

These organizations made presentations on career and college planning, described their respective schools and companies, and conducted conversations with students.

 

We’re also thankful for the partnership with the Washoe County School District, particularly its Careers & Technical Education department. Not only did we successfully orchestrate two “high school days,” they were instrumental in working with transportation services. Many of participating schools came from the WCSD, but several others joined in the experience. In total, 35 classes representing the following schools were active participants in the Field Trip Program.

Billinghurst Middle School
Bud Beasley Elementary School
Calvary Christian Homeschool
Camptonville Aviation S.T.E.M Academy (CA)
Carson Montessori School
Casa Roble High School
Cold Springs Middle School
Damonte Ranch High School
Excel Christian School
Galena High School STEM program
Gerlach K-12 Schools
High Desert Montessori School
Highlands High School (CA)
Hunsberger Elementary School
Imagination Station
Jesse Bethel High School (CA)
Jesse Hall Elementary School
Juniper Elementary School
Lemelson STEM Academy
North Star Online School
North Valleys High School
Northern Nevada Home Schools, Inc.
Reed High School
St. Albert the Great Catholic School
The Davidson Academy of Nevada
Utah Military Academy (UT)
Vaughn IB Middle School
Verdi Elementary School