Kids Learn Science Through STARBASE Program

By JENNA RHUDE

Moapa Valley Progress

Last week several Moapa Valley youth, and a few from surrounding areas, made their way to the Moapa River Paiute Reservation for a week of science learning. The young scientists soon found themselves immersed in an incredible four day program called STARBASE.

This annual program, hosted by the Moapa Educational Support Center (MESC) is now in its sixth year. It was first introduced in 2012 and since has become a popular event for many local kids.

Throughout the week, the students are taught through STEM learning: Science, Technology, Math & Engineering. This year the program has added the letter “A”, standing for Arts, amending it to, STEAM.
The students enjoyed learning, physics, chemistry, technology, engineering, math and introduction to STEM careers.

They were also able to use PTC Creo, a computer drafting program. I high end software program costing $20,000 per certified copy, PTC Creo may be used to design a space shuttle, space station or submarine. The program has pre-drawn parts that the kids assemble to design their project.
Later on, the kids also had a c hance to shoot off real model rockets in the parking lot.
The week ended with a BBQ provided by the Paiute and STARBASE staff.

Program director, Myles Judd, known to the students as “Big Red”, has found it his mission to educate youth through hands-on programs. He was accompanied by three other teachers, Estela Nencescue, Gilbert Mata, and Byron Anderson.

The local STARBASE center is located at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. The $30 million program is funded by the Department of Defense and is run in schools nationwide. Here in Nevada the program has had around 6,000 participants since it’s inception.

Judd first introduced the program years ago to Ute V. Perkins Elementary in Moapa. While there he was introduced to Della Frank, the director of the MESC located on the Moapa River Indian Reservation. The two came to an agreement to extend the program to the Reservation and make it available for all students: grades 4-6.

Judd stated that he would love to accommodate every school that wanted to participate. But due to the number of staff and number of schools wanting to participate, it’s not possible. He is hoping in the future to receive further funding to allow him to hire more teachers.

Typically this program takes place in a two-room building on Air Force Base. But Judd has received special permission to carry this program to Moapa. He first comes to Perkins Elementary at the beginning of the school year. Then he takes the program to the Reservation on the week after school ends.

Judd also feels this program is the first step to career building. “We want them to become interested in the technology through hands-on learning,” he stated.
While the program is funded by the Defense Department, Judd was very clear to point out that it is not a recruiting tool for the military.

Around 230 students have taken part in this program on the Reservation over the last 6 years. Frank said that she is hoping to recruit even more students for next year’s program. She wants the Valley to know that all 4th, 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to come and participate.

More information on STARBASE can be found at: mjudd@starbasenellis.com or DODstarbase.org. To learn more about the services available at MESC, contact Della Frank at: frankdn@nv.ccsd.net or call the center at 702-864-0315.