AFRL STEM Outreach

06/01/2026

It’s National Candy Month!

Inspiring the next generation's STEM workforce starts with making science fun and accessible. Did you know candy can be a tool to explore chemistry, diffusion, and chromatography? Check out these 14 candy science experiments from Science Buddies and spark a lifelong passion for STEM in future innovators.

Start your sweet STEM journey here: https://buff.ly/XgB1fvg

Use candy for more than a dozen fun candy science experiments!

05/26/2026

Cool down with an easy ice cream in a bag activity!

Turn milk into ice cream in 5 minutes!

https://www.science-sparks.com/how-to-make-ice-cream-with-ice-and-salt/

05/26/2026

05/18/2026

, AFRL and a myriad other groups across Wright-Patterson Air Force Base hosted the first All Star Leadership Day, an event dedicated to and made for enterprising high school students to see what career opportunities exist within the United States Air Force.

Attendees toured through multiple spaces within area A of the base to get a better grasp of just what happens on base.

For our part, AFRL's display involved a virtual reality parachute simulator, pilot instructional training device, wearables and plenty of hands-on STEM related activities.

Check out how the event went courtesy of Dayton Daily News via the link in the comments.

| | | |

05/08/2026

Last week, our office participated in All Star Leadership Day, a massive event that brought together students from across Ohio, Kentucky, and several surrounding states. We had a blast doing what we do best: getting students excited about STEM through hands-on resources.

It was an honor to support these future leaders and inventors as they explore careers in STEM and the United States Air Force. Connecting with so much talent and ambition was truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the impact these students will make.

Until next time, cheers!

05/08/2026

05/06/2026

We all love desert tortoises, but if you ever encounter one in the wild, please leave it alone. If a tortoise is scared, it will void its bladder, potentially losing a year's worth of fluids that it needs to survive.

If you see one in the road, slow down and give it space to cross. Only intervene if it is in immediate danger.

Thank you for helping protect these ancient reptiles. 🐢💚

Photo by Brad Sutton / NPS

05/06/2026

If AI can write a text for you, what is the point of a writing competition? 🧐

AI is part of the world we learn and work in, so simply banning it is neither realistic nor helpful. But using it without questioning its output is not the answer either.

What matters is learning how to use AI responsibly. This is also our standpoint for this writing competition: students may use AI as a co-thinking tool. In our student info sheet on AI, we explain exactly what we mean by this, give concrete examples for each step of the writing process, and highlight the risks of uncritical AI use.

And for the teachers, we have published an info sheet with ideas on how to support students in developing responsible AI use.

Find the guides here: https://scienceinschool.org/article/2026/science-in-school-student-writing-contest-2026/

05/05/2026

REMINDER! Registration opens TODAY at 5:00 PM for our FREE 2-Day Maker Camp! This workshop is open to teachers of ALL grade levels!

Hosted by Wright-Patterson AFB STEM Outreach, WOW!, The Dayton Regional STEM Center, and DO STEM.

Dates: Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24 (must attend both days)
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Lunch is provided)
Location: STEM Outreach office, Wright-Patterson AFB

This workshop connects you with real-world STEM applications, hands-on learning with Micro:bit and Finch Robots, and great networking opportunities.

Perks for attending:
+Contact Hours and Certificate
+$100 stipend
+Classroom pack of 10 BBC micro:bit v2
+1 Finch robot

Register HERE today at 5:00 PM: https://buff.ly/nKJrVWh

Space is strictly limited to 20 participants, so be ready to secure your spot! A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached. Confirmed attendees will receive a follow-up email with base access, entry, and parking instructions.

05/02/2026