Above and beyond…more STEAM intersections and discoveries

My “Introduction to STEAM” course is designed for students to thoughtfully engage in the interdisciplinary nature of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Students develop skills related to intersections between these content areas, and the construction and application of STEAM models for cross-disciplinary dialogue, inquiry, and problem solving. This also includes research, as well as the knowledge and understanding, and application of the structures and mechanisms that lead to achieving these outcomes.

Therefore, two questions are presented for further examination --- What type of activities increase student engagement, raise motivation and curiosity, focus on relevant issues, and most importantly develop critical thinking and problem-solving in an innovative and creative manner? Where can one see creativity and innovation that merge the viewpoints of a scientist and engineer with that of an artist or designer?

I have been inspired and curious about flight and aerospace since childhood: building airplane models, learning to work on a car engine, attending airshows, and of course observing my father, who in the words of many people (including myself) was an extraordinary aviator and aviation pioneer. So, this past weekend I decided to add another “dimension” to my knowledge and understanding of aviation by visiting two places that “embody” STEAM as well as the evolution of flight – The Future of Flight Aviation Center and The Boeing Aircraft Factory at Paine Airport Field in Mukilteo, Washington.

Boeing Space Station 1_edited

Boeing Factory 5_edited

The Future of Flight Aviation Center Gallery is home to a number of different activities, all designed around a theme of aircraft manufacturing and assembly. The International Space Station exhibit also included “student ambassadors” who guided visitors through a newly designed and developed module. Activity carts let visitors build a simple aircraft model, or use our Lego (and Lego-compatible) pieces to express new ideas about aircraft design.

Boeing Art 3

Boeing Art 2

Boeing Art 1

A special art exhibit at the Future of Flight Gallery featured the artwork of Jason Otto. He has been employed at The Boeing Company’s Everett factory for 25 years as a software engineer. Otto loves the energy of the factory and captures the vitality in his work. He states, “For me, it’s not just recreating a scene on canvas, it’s about expressing an energy and mood through design and discovery.” Above are samples of his work – beautiful depictions of the Boeing factory at work!

Boeing Factory 1

Boeing Factory 3

Boeing Factory 2

The Boeing Factory tour is the only public tour of a commercial jet assembly plant in North America where visitors can watch 747s, 777s, or 787 Dreamliners being assembled. On the flight line, visitors were able to see airplanes in various stages of being outfitted and painted for airline customers around the world.

Paine Airshow 2

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Paine Airshow 3

As luck would have it there was also another “treat” at Paine Field Airport --- the Annual Paine Field Aviation Day! This event was sponsored by the Washington Pilot’s Association, Historic Flight Foundation, Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage & Combat Museum, and the Paine Field Airport. A wide variety of activities were provided that included warbird aircraft flights/demonstrations, aircraft rides for children and adults, flight simulators, and numerous opportunities to view aircraft as well as talk to the pilots.

I wanted to “experience” The Future of Flight Aviation Center and The Boeing Aircraft Factory because they provide multiple opportunities for discovery and exploration of STEAM concepts and practice. A well-integrated STEAM experience and field outing teaches us that a curriculum should preserve the past, but not be limited by it. Integral to curricular and teaching success are experiences that exemplify the design and organization of a “360-degree curricular focus” that engages, informs, and creates an environment in which students discuss the principles of integrated STEAM ideas and strategies.

What an incredible opportunity and experience at Boeing --- simply marvelous!