Tucson students attend free STEAM program

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Students program robots, conduct egg-drop tests, and combine chemicals in a free STEAM program at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

STARBASE is a five-day STEAM intensive program funded by the Department of Defense. There are 90 locations around the country, and D-M hosts the only one in Arizona.

“We want to expose them and give them opportunities where they walk in and become the scientist, they become the engineer,” said Kristine Impellizzeri, STARBASE Arizona director.

Hands-on learning with modern technology

Wheeler Elementary fifth grader Jonathan Howard said he enjoyed the program.

“It’s cause we try out stuff that’s not normal to do at home as much,” Jonathan said.

He and other students were programming homemade Lego robots and participating in hands-on activities. The program also features guest speakers at lunchtime who talk about their Air Force careers.

The Department of Defense funds 90 programs like this around the country. In a 2024 DoD report, nearly 1.8 million students participated.

In southern Arizona, hundreds of students bus to the base each year from Amphi, Vail, Sunnyside, and Tucson Unified districts. STARBASE Arizona is marking 20 years and has served more than 14,000 students.

Students work with modern technology that schools can’t offer.

“Sometimes schools are limited. They’re limited on budgets – on what they can bring into the school,” Impellizzeri said.

Wheeler Elementary has been participating for seven years.

“I wish there was enough funds for every school to participate just because yes, our teachers teach science and everything, and we use the materials that we have, but STARBASE provides real-life opportunities,” said Kari Baltes, Wheeler Elementary Principal.

Jonathan said he enjoyed the chemical experiments and working with Spike, his robot.

STARBASE also offers an advanced program for middle schools. Districts interested in participating can reach out to STARBASE. The program is free, but schools are required to provide transportation.

Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corps member covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.

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