Program Enhances Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education; Students Invited to Apply
HUDSON, N.Y., Nov. 18, 2024 – A group of Hudson Junior and Senior High School students are receiving hands-on science, technology, engineering and math lessons through the new Flying Classroom Saturday STEM Pilot Program, which successfully launched on Oct. 26, 2024. Slots are available for additional students to participate for the remainder of the school year.
“The Flying Classroom Saturday STEM Pilot Program champions how our school district blends innovation, real-world learning opportunities for students and curriculum priorities,” said Superintendent Dr. Juliette Pennyman, noting that STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math. “We’re off to super start and look forward to the program’s expansion. We welcome applications from students seeking to broaden their STEM education.”
Dr. Tia Pressey, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Hudson City School District, said the program was inaugurated to offer hands-on STEM experiences for Hudson Junior and Senior High School students. The program complements and provides equity with STEM activities at Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School, and aligns with the New York State Education Department’s “Next Generation” standards.
“It was so wonderful to see students thoroughly engaged in fun learning activities – and excited about lessons to come,” said Dr. Pressey, who welcomed students and families with an overview letter about the program, a colorful schedule of dates and learning modules. “One parent told me, ‘My son told me about the STEM program. I like the fact that the STEM activities are hands-on. It sounds like students will have fun as they are learning. I cannot wait to hear about it when I pick up my son.’”
Thirteen diverse students – 11 from grades 6 to 8, and two from grades 9-12 – were excited to get started on the first day. Students were engaged, motivated, well-behaved and collaborative. They engaged in literacy and math activities concerning urban farming, creating aquaponics systems that they presented to the class at the end of the lesson. A visit to a local farm, so students can learn more about aquaponic systems and how farmers create them, is being considered. View a video of student Sindid Chowdhury’s project here or at https://youtube.com/shorts/d6vJTF5qfuM?feature=share.
The Flying Classroom concept was created by Capt. Barrington Irving, who, at age 23, set a record for being the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world. Flying Classroom modules are built upon real-world STEM challenges, incorporating experimental, immersive learning experiences that inspire lessons about college, career and life skills.
The Hudson program is designed to host 56 students in grades 6 through grade 12 on one or two Saturdays monthly through June 2025. Segments include lesson preparation and guided discussion; lunch; and buildout and presentation of completed projects to the group. Instruction is delivered by virtual teachers, with in-class supervision and assistance from Hudson teachers, teacher’s assistants or teacher’s aides.
The Nov. 9 program focused on honey bees, and Dr. Pressey is consulting with a beekeeper in Hudson to provide real-world insights about honeybees and their contributions. Future educational modules will include urban farming, glaciers, animal behaviors, bats, animal conservation, coral reef restoration, high-altitude balloon launches and molecular scanning.
Students in grades 6-12 interested in applying to participate should contact Dr. Pressey at presseyt@hudsoncsd.org.
