The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) took the lead in providing an engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) experience at the 2025 Tinker Air Force Base Warriors of Air and Space Air Show this past weekend. With the support of local pilots from the greater Oklahoma City flying community and state officials, ODAA staff created an inspiring environment for young attendees. In the STEM City hangar, participants had the exciting opportunity to build rockets and balsa wood airplanes, fostering a hands-on understanding of science and engineering for several hours each day.
STEM is essential to the aviation industry and serves as a driving force behind Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing sector: aerospace. It is crucial for the next generation to develop skills in key areas, such as engineering, aircraft maintenance, and software development for the defense sector.
“Aerospace and aviation education is a top priority for the Legislature and the State of Oklahoma. As the House author of several pro-aviation workforce bills, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at STEM City during this year’s Tinker Air Show. Over the two days, ODAA staff and volunteers built more than 500 rockets and more than 1,500 planes, showcasing their commitment to hands-on learning. I was proud to be a part of that,” said State Representative Nicole Miller, R-Deer Creek, OK. “Witnessing the excitement and curiosity of the children and teenagers there deepened my determination to ensure that Oklahoma students are enriched with dynamic and inspiring aerospace STEM experiences.”
In the interactive educational hangar, students in grades K-12 participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including robotics, drone flying, flight simulation, model rocket assembly, balsa plane model construction, working with snap circuits, and exploring wind tunnels, among others. The STEM City activities were free for families and were provided by various agencies and departments from the State of Oklahoma, along with community organizations, academic institutions, and aerospace companies.
“There is no mission more vital for our Department than inspiring young people to explore exciting career opportunities in aerospace, aviation, space, and defense as they engage in their educational pathways. Through our aerospace and aviation education funding and programs we proudly support educators and institutions that are teaching and connecting students to curriculum and opportunities that will empower them to become the future leaders of Oklahoma’s aerospace workforce,” emphasized Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the ODAA.
Other key contributors included several Tinker Air Force Base entities such as the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Force Support Squadron, Public Affairs, and Weather Flight and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Air and Space Forces Association of Oklahoma staffed the hangar with volunteers while exhibitors included Oklahoma Career and Technology Education, Rose State College, Droneworks, FIRST Robotics Lego League, Mid-Del Technology Center, Starbase Oklahoma, OU Sooner Flight Academy, Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, OSU, KidWind, Northrop Grumman, FAA Monroney Center STEM, and Mid-Del Technology Center, among others.
Opportunities abound for careers in Aerospace, Aeronautics, Aviation, Space, and Defense in Oklahoma. For careers as Airline Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Aviation Managers, Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, Aerospace Security/Cybersecurity Professionals, Aerospace Engineers, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operators, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.
