KC STEM Alliance making first appearance at Sound of Speed Airshow
By Leah Rainwater
The Sound of Speed Airshow is home to many attractions and fun events, but one nonprofit organization is proving that the airshow can also be a learning experience.
Not only will the airshow host aircraft exhibits, but it will also play host to the KC STEM Alliance.
One partner at KC STEM said showcasing STEM projects at the airshow will help prepare students for what a future in STEM could look like.
“Really thinking broadly about how, first as a workforce-readiness initiative can be facilitated, scaled to reach as many students as possible and make sure that the education community understands that this is a workforce-readiness initiative,” said Christina Chandler, the first Lego program delivery partner at the KC STEM Alliance. “We are using this initiative to engage and prepare students for our future workforce.”
Chandler said tying in KC STEM projects to the airshow is important in the future of STEM.
“When we talk about the skills needed for those in the Air Force, those that fly the planes, those that build the planes,” Chandler said. “We are preparing these students, this program is preparing these students to do those jobs.”
Chandler said STEM students will be able to showcase their projects, initiatives and robots for those who attend the airshow.
“At this particular event, we will have all levels of first robotics,” Chandler said. “These will be real teams associated with schools across the Kansas City region that will participate in this event.”
Chandler hopes the community realizes programs for STEM exist, which will inspire people to participate.
Chandler also said the KC STEM Alliance will be at the Sound of Speed Airshow all day on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
“Stop by any time all day, visit with the kids,” Chandler said. “Ask them about their robots, ask them what they enjoy about being a part of a First Robotics team and the skills that they’ve learned.”
The Sound of Speed Airshow will be held at Rosecrans Memorial Airport from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15.
