Reflections and Comments
"STARBASE's program is an amazing program that helps students explore the "main" STEM topics in well thought out and organized hands-on, inquiry-based lessons. The teamwork, critical thinking, and application of what students are learning is super beneficial for students as they learn more about who "they" are as learners and what they love to learn. The experience helps open up their minds to the many STEM fields of study and careers. In addition, it reinforces the academic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills to help our students become successful in their lives." Beth Grum, 5th grade teacher, DG Cooley Elementary
"STARBASE gives the students an opportunity for real, hands-on, engaging STEM activities. Not only do the students get to conduct science experiments, but they are also fully engaged in the whole scientific process. They collaborate, plan, and implement their lessons in real time, then reflect. It's an excellent program!" Lauren Weber, 5th grader teacher, DG Cooley Elementary
“My name is SSG Gerard Reynolds, and I am the Battalion Medical Readiness NCO at 3-116th Infantry. I have been very fortunate over the last year to be able to assist with the tours for the STARBASE students at the Cherry-Beasley Readiness Center. The kids often talk about how much they enjoy the tours, and regularly claim that it is their favorite part of their week at STARBASE. I am a great lover of history myself, and to assist teaching history to the students is something that I have grown rather fond of, as well as being able to teach them some things about the military and the unit that stands as part of their community. Seeing young minds learn and grow has been incredibly rewarding, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with STARBASE to assist with these tours.” SSG Reynolds, Medical Readiness NCO, Winchester Readiness Center
“I have been the lead POC for tours for the STARBASE students for two years now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite parts of my regular battle-rhythm. Getting to take the kids on a tour of the armory and teach them about the military and American history is not only an enjoyable part of my work life, but also a crucial part of their education. Letting kids know about their history, as well as helping them learn what their options are as they grow, has become something I take great pride in. I hope to get to continue with this in the coming year, or even years, as I continue on the BN Staff and continue to assist STARBASE.” SSG Tepe, Career Counselor for 3-116th Infantry, Winchester Readiness Center
“STARBASE is a great hands-on learning environment. Kids ask questions, test hypotheses, and adjust their thinking. They support each other and work together to reach goals.” Tracie Sipe, 5th grade teacher, Middletown Elementary
“STARBASE gives students opportunities beyond what they could get in a classroom and it exposes them to their standards in a way that makes them think they’re playing rather than learning.” Tara Fulk, 5th grade teacher, Orchard View Elementary
“I would like to thank you for giving us your time and for the most fun I’ve had in my life. My favorite part is when we made the space station on the computer. And that mortar was so cool to hold and see in person. It was so awesome to meet you guys.” Call sign Defense, student from Gainesboro Elementary
“I really like STARBASE. It was a cool experience and I loved it. It was really cool how we got to do a tour. I loved everything there. I’m pretty sure next years class will enjoy STARBASE. It was seriously that fun. Thank you for the experience.” Call sign Flips, student at Gainesboro Elementary
“STARBASE is a great experience that creates a meaningful learning environment, with wonderful hands-on activities/lessons that my kids will remember for years to come!" - Bridget O'Malley, 5th grade teacher, Orchard View Elementary
“Students are given multiple hands-on experiences directly related to the VA SOLs with resources unavailable to the schools." Cole McQuaid, 5th grade teacher, Middletown Elementary
"This program helped create a great educational experience for my students. All of them have been asking if we will be coming back!" Elizabeth Nelson, 5th grade teacher, Redbud Run Elementary
"I am very happy since the day you came and invited us to go to Starbase. These are my four favorite things we did this week: the egg engineering activity, the clay - mass activity, designing our own top on CAD, the car building and race - forces and motion activity. Call sign Reader, student from Apple Pie Ridge Elementary