In the heart of Moses Lake, a transformative journey is about to begin. This spring, the Apple
STEM Network—co-led by NCW Tech Alliance and North Central ESD—in partnership with visionary
elementary educators and industry leaders, is launching a series of Family STEM Nights
designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and the community.
A Community Unified by Innovation
Moses Lake is more than just a city; it's a tapestry of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and stories.
With a population that beautifully blends various racial and socioeconomic groups, the potential
for collective growth is immense. Yet, with rapid advancements like Twelve's groundbreaking
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) facility and the innovative aerospace developments by Boeing
and Aerotec, it's crucial to ensure every community member is part of this exciting future.
"Elementary students as young as 10 begin to eliminate potential careers from their future," shares Dr. Michelle Johnstone, Principal of Garden Heights Elementary School. "These Family STEM Nights provide incredible opportunities for our students to explore and consider futures in aerospace right here in Moses Lake. We're immensely grateful to our community partners for supporting these vital connections."
Why Family STEM Nights Matter
Local understanding of SAF development is currently limited, and positive community engagement is essential for sustainable workforce development. By investing in educational experiences through schools, we aim to:
Enhance Awareness: Help youth and their families grasp how SAF contributes to sustainability and its pivotal role in aerospace and aviation's future.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure economic growth includes opportunities for all, especially those from low-income or historically underserved backgrounds.
Foster Interest in STEM: Cultivate a passion for STEM subjects that could influence future educational and career choices.
Event Schedule and Engaging Activities
Night One: Aerospace Forces, Kinetic and Potential Energy, and Flight Challenge
Date: January 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Garden Heights Elementary School 707 E Nelson Rd, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Activities:
Exploring Forces and Motion: Hands-on stations delving into kinetic and potential energy.
Aviation and Flight Challenge: Design, build, and test your own flying creations to understand the science of flight.
Dinner: Space Dogs (corn dogs) and Shooting Stars (fries)
Night Two: Sustainable Aviation Fuel, States of Matter, and Clean Fuel Exploration
Date: February 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Garden Heights Elementary School 707 E Nelson Rd, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Activities:
States of Matter Stations: Interactive experiments showcasing solids, liquids, and gases.
Clean Fuel Activity: Learn how sustainable aviation fuel is produced and its environmental impact.
Dinner: Space Subs (submarine sandwiches)
Night Three: Research and Development in Aerospace
Date: April 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Activities:
Aerotech Facility Tours: An inside look at aerospace technology and cutting-edge research.
Aircraft Encounter: Get up close with aircraft and learn from industry professionals.
Dinner: Pizza Dinner
The Power of Partnership
This initiative is fueled by the generous support of the The Boeing Company and the collaborative efforts of organizations like Aerotec, Twelve, NCESD Career Connected Learning, NCW Tech Alliance, Big Bend Community College, the Moses Lake Museum, the Museum of Flight, Simplot, and the Garden Heights Parent Teacher Organization.