What is our pedagogical approach? What do we want for our students?

We seek to help students to acquire STEM knowledge and skills and to develop a sense of how scientists and engineers do their work. We recognize that this is only possible, in any meaningful way, through attention to the social, emotional, and developmental needs of the students. The trick is weaving the STEM teaching and emotional support approaches in a manner that is effective, efficient, and holistic. We do not claim to have mastered this ‘Pedagogy of Empowerment’, only to be pursuing it doggedly every day. In our pursuit, we welcome the contributions of a broad community of collaborating educators.

For our students, we hope they will achieve intrinsic motivation, increased self-confidence, and improved self-esteem. We want them to be increasingly aware of their own skills and interests, and to acquire a growth mindset concerning their abilities. We intend for students to see how they can be a valuable team or community member by applying their valuable skills and by taking on important responsibilities.

All of this is a foundation for learning as many facets of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as can be achieved in a five-day program. The STARBASE curriculum cycles through key content goals in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering and stresses process goals of science inquiry and the engineering design process. Curricular content beyond the grade level of the students is frequently employed as are tie-ins to real world practices of scientists and engineers.

We help students achieve these goals through a variety of teaching methodologies. These include –

  • Providing positive reinforcement and countering fixed mindset ideas

  • Challenging students; pushing students within their zone of proximal development

  • Utilizing open-ended activities

  • Using responsive classroom verbal and non-verbal communication techniques

  • Employing constructivist techniques

  • Listening to students and engaging students in conversation

  • Encouraging reflection and metacognition

  • Being patient and humble as teachers

  • Exploring student pre-conceptions

  • Drawing on studies of the development of expertise and creativity

What do we want to contribute to the STEM education community?

We seek to be supportive and trusted mentors and colleagues to prospective and practicing teachers in their efforts to continuously grow and develop as professionals.

We seek to be a supportive and trusted partner to school districts in their efforts to support their teachers and efficiently provide quality, effective STEM instruction grounded in best practices.

We seek to support and model efforts for achieving equity in STEM education within schools and communities through differentiated instruction and student-centered implementation of best practices.

How is STARBASE Academy at Hanscom AFB related to the National DoD STARBASE Program?

STARBASE Hanscom AFB is one of 61 STARBASE academies located on military bases across the United States. Our academy is the only STARBASE Academy in Massachusetts and the only STARBASE Academy located on an active duty base in New England. STARBASE Hanscom AFB works within the framework of the national program and fulfills the mission of DoD STARBASE utilizing the approach outlined above.

What is the mission of the National DoD STARBASE program?

To expose our nation’s youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities, by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on instruction and activities that meet or exceed the National Standards.