AFRL STEM Outreach

08/31/2026

Monday's STEM Minute: A Year That Lasts Centuries

Since humans first discovered Pluto in 1930, not a single Plutonian year has actually passed!

Because Pluto orbits so far out on the icy edges of our solar system, it takes a incredibly long time to make one trip around the Sun. A single year on Pluto is equal to about 248 Earth years. This means that the dwarf planet is only about halfway through its very first orbit since Clyde Tombaugh first spotted it nearly a century ago.

Pluto will finally celebrate its first full "discovered" birthday in the year 2178.

Learn more about the unusual orbit of Pluto on NASA Science:

Why is Pluto no longer a planet? Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006 by the IAU because other objects might cross its orbit.

08/28/2026

Today is Future Career Friday, and we are looking at the Physicist and Nuclear Engineer role.

Understanding the fundamental laws of the universe is critical to advancing modern defense technology. Air Force Physicists and Nuclear Engineers work in high-tech laboratories and testing facilities to develop everything from new aerospace materials to advanced directed-energy systems.

For high school or college students looking to step into a role like this, preparation starts with a heavy focus on the physical sciences. You will want to target a highly technical college major such as physics, nuclear engineering, or applied mathematics. If you are fascinated by how the universe works and want to apply that knowledge to national security, this is an incredible path.

Check out this link for more info on this career path:

Take your career in advanced scientific operations to the next level with Air Force. Discover the limitless possibilities as an Air Force Physicist/Nuclear Engineer.

08/27/2026

On this day in history, August 27, 2003, a massive engineering feat went live in Fairbanks, Alaska, to protect residents from dangerous winter power failures. Because Alaska is cut off from the main United States power grid, local communities must generate and manage all of their own electricity. To prevent catastrophic blackouts in sub-zero temperatures, the local utility built a massive, 1,300-ton battery facility. The site holds thousands of heavy-duty industrial wet cells and spans an area larger than a standard athletic field. When a primary power plant trips offline, this massive backup system instantly fires up to keep the lights on for thousands of residents. This bridges the critical seven-minute gap needed for operators to bring diesel backup generators online.

What makes this story even more remarkable is its longevity. Originally rated for a 20-year lifespan, this historic nickel-cadmium battery system is still operational and defending the local grid. Over its life, it has successfully prevented over 30,000 individual outages. While a new, modern lithium-ion system is planned for construction to integrate new wind and solar farms, this 2003 pioneer remains an active masterclass in regional self-reliance and engineering for extreme environments.

The Golden Valley Electric Association Official BESS Portal:

Completed in November 2003 and operational in December 2003, the BESS is one of Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA)’s initiatives to improve the reliability of service to GVEA members. In...

08/26/2026

https://buff.ly/KIj6Mkh

Word: Speleology
Pronunciation: spee-lee-OL-uh-jee

Definition: The scientific study of caves, cave systems, and their biological and geological makeup.

Civilian Career Paths: Speleologist, Geologist, Park Ranger, Search and Rescue.

Air Force Connection: The Air Force operates some of the most elite search and rescue teams in the world. During the famous 2018 Thai Cave Rescue, Air Force Pararescue (PJs) and survival specialists deployed to navigate the flooded, pitch-black chambers of the Tham Luang cave system. Utilizing principles of speleology and cave diving, they helped safely extract all 12 trapped youth soccer players and their coach.

Want to learn more about how Air Force rescue teams conquered this extreme environment? Explore the official National Museum of the U.S. Air Force exhibit:

RescueThe United States Air Force has a long and proud history of saving lives and providing aid to the injured. When disaster strikes, highly trained USAF personnel execute seemingly impossible

08/26/2026

08/26/2026

Our STARBASE has a new page, be sure to follow for updates and information!

We are a DoD and AFRL program designed to begin introducing 5th graders to potential STEM careers.

08/25/2026

We are just two months away from the Annual WPAFB EZ STEM Pumpkin Chuck on Saturday 24 Oct. 2026! Please Share Post with Friends!! Make sure to Like & Follow Our Page!!!

08/25/2026

Try it Tuesday: How do we actually clean the water we use every day?

Getting clean water out of the tap is something we often take for granted, but the science behind it is pretty incredible. We have a DIY lesson that lets kids step into the shoes of environmental engineers to design their own water filter.

This week for Try it Tuesday, we are highlighting our Filter Fun activity. It is a hands-on project where kids use simple household items like sand, gravel, and coffee filters to clean dirty water. It is a great, visual way to learn about Earth's natural filtration processes.

We have a step-by-step guide and a quick video walk-through to help you set up the experiment:

Watch the video: https://buff.ly/LNyzsgU
Get the written instructions: https://buff.ly/Pauwval

In many parts of the world there is a shortage of fresh, clean wate...

08/24/2026

The next time you enjoy a sprinkle of cinnamon, you might be surprised to learn that you are actually eating dried tree bark!

True cinnamon is harvested directly from the delicate inner layers of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, a beautiful evergreen species native to Sri Lanka. To gather it, harvesters peel back the rough exterior of the trunk. When the sweeter tissue underneath is removed and set out to dry, it automatically rolls up into the familiar shapes we call cinnamon sticks.

This versatile spice has been incredibly valuable throughout human history. Thousands of years ago, ancient Egyptians utilized it in embalming, historic physicians prescribed it as a remedy, and it was even coveted as a luxury perfume ingredient.

What is your favorite autumn recipe that features cinnamon sticks?

Explore the history of this unique tree with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew:

Cinnamon is a festive favourite, found in everything from Christmas pudding and mince pies to mulled wine. The fragrant spice comes from the inner bark of the Sri Lankan cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum verum) and is used in sweet and savoury foods worldwide. Other members of the genus Cinnamomum are also....