The Air & Space STEM Outreach virtual program series connects classrooms with scientists, engineers, researchers and other experts from across the Dept of the Air Force to explore careers and technologies in aerospace, aviation, cyber security and more.
Programs are available for K-12 classrooms. Each program is prepared with Next Generation Science Standards in mind.
The virtual program series is available for free through Pathful Connect. Pathful Connect is a K-12 live, virtual work-based learning (WBL) platform that ensures equitable participation in WBL by eliminating geographic, resource and access barriers.
Upcoming Pathful Connect Virtual Programs
Past Pathful Connect Virtual Programs
Recordings of past virtual programs are available to view at any time, no account required. Browse the past sessions below and click the title to view the recording. Content Standards and keywords coming soon!
Description
Explore the use of technology in the US Space Force. Major Corinne Magnusson and Captain Caleb Schmidt will share the role technology plays in their careers in the US Space Force. Session host, Albert Einstein, and Distinguished Educator Fellow, Denise Wright, have crafted questions to peak student curiosity and help relate real-world applications to students’ curriculum.
Major Magnusson will share her experience working with ground-based radar and optics and Captain Schmidt will tell us about his work in cybersecurity.
Original program date: 12/15/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
High school
Description
Let’s make you a rocket scientist! This session will introduce students to rockets used by the Space Force. Lt Col Anna Gunn-Golkin, White House Fellow, will discuss the engineering and design behind the rockets used by the Space Force. Additional highlights to the presentation will be a review of Newton’s Laws, three different rocket types, and the forces and science that propels rockets upward.
Original program date: 12/06/2023
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Grade Level
High school
Description
It’s National STEM Day, and today we are talking about aerospace engineering. Have you ever dreamed of exploring the cosmos? Or maybe you dreamed of working for the US Space Force or Air Force? Even if you want to stay closer to earth as an airline pilot, engineering knowledge is critical to success in these areas!
Original program date: 11/08/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
High school
Description
It’s the 76th Birthday of the US Air Force and we are celebrating by looking at some of the technology developed by the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)! Join Senior Historian from the AFRL History Office for a discussion of just some of these technologies used both the Air Force and by you and me. We’ll look at careers of some of the engineers and researchers involved in their development and discuss what students can do today to help shape the future technologies of the Air Force!
Original program date: 09/18/2023
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Grade Level
High school
Description
Celebrate World Space Week with The US Space Force! Each year World Space Week aims to educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space. Join Space Force Guardian MSgt. Krishan Narain for a discussion on the Space Force’s role in space. NASA, industry, academia, and Space Force all play important and unique roles in space. Join us to learn some of the differences!
Original program date: 10/04/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
Elementary school
Description
Mike Vargas, former Air Force Association teacher of the year and Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, will host a panel of Airmen, both civilian and military, to discuss STEM careers in the US Air Force! Join us for this unique look inside the STEM career opportunities available to your students! Yes, there are aerospace engineers in the Air Force and you will get to meet one. But there are also many occupations that you might not associate with the Air Force. Join our panel to learn about just a few of the interesting STEM careers available in the US Air Force!
Original program date: 05/19/2023
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
Description
Join us for a discussion on women in aviation. Our panel of Air Force personnel will describe their role in the Air Force, and how they got there. Students get a better understanding of a variety of a variety of career opportunities in the US Air Force. Students will learn what education and training is needed to pursue each career. And what some of the daily tasks are in each of those fields.
Original program date: 05/11/2023
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
Description
It’s Star Wars Day! Join Nicole Palmer, engineer with the US Space Force and avid Star Wars fan, for a discussion on the science of Star Wars. We’ll debunk some myths and illuminate some truths as we explore the actual science and technologies being utilized and researched by the US Space Force! May the 4th be with you!
Original program date: 05/04/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
Grade 3-6
Description
Space is one of the most discussed topics today, but how can students pursue a career in the space industry? Join Capt. James Selix of the US Space Force as he discusses his role as a Space Operator. He’ll discuss his experiences, education and hobbies that led to a career in The Space Force. Learn about other career opportunities along the way!
Original program date: 04/25/2023
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
Description
Join me, Capt. Jon Borah, for this overview of my job as an engineer & program manager for the US Space Force! I hope to excite students about a potential career pathway! I’ll use visuals, stories and questions to engage students as I illustrate how learning about topics like math, science, and technology (computers) in school helps set a foundation for a career as an acquisition professional. We’ll also explore my day-to-day work, the skills and training required for this field.
Original program date: 04/11/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
High school
Description
Join Maj. Katherine Carroll for this overview of her job as a engineer in the United States Space Force! She’ll discuss how the US Space Force provides GPS to the world and what subjects in school helps set a foundation for a career as a Engineer. We’ll also explore my day-to-day work, the skills and training required for this field.
Original program date: 03/01/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
Description
Have you used the internet today? My guess is Yes! But do you know how cyber security professionals help keep you safe online? Join this overview of my job as a Cyber Detect Operator in the US Space Force and the tools and practices I utilize to defend Cyber Space! We’ll discuss how learning about topics like Cyber Security, Computer networking and technology in school helps set a foundation for a career as a Cyber Security Specialist. We’ll also explore my day-to-day work, the skills and training required for this field.
Original program date: 02/28/2023
Content Standards
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
Description
Join Air & Space Forces K-12 STEM for a panel discussion on STEM in space! The Space Force is the newest military service with a distinct mission. With that mission come unique challenges and opportunities. Hear from two computer scientists, an engineer and a space operator working in the Space Force and learn how their skills support the Space Force mission. Join the discussion to learn all about the Space Force!
Original program date: 12/09/2022
Content Standards
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Grade Level
Middle and high school
