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Taking STEM Learning to New Heights: Hubenak Elementary Students Soar with iFly

  • LEAF
  • Sep 25
  • 2 min read

Thanks to a LEAF I-Fly Grant, 162 fifth graders and eight teachers from Hubenak Elementary had the unforgettable opportunity to bring science to life in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel at iFly.


This one-of-a-kind field trip immersed students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on experiments, engaging demonstrations, and even a personal flight experience with a certified iFly instructor.

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Bringing Force and Motion to Life

Bringing Force and Motion to Life

The program directly connected to the fifth-grade science unit on Force and Motion, giving students a deeper understanding of how physics applies to the world around them. With guidance from highly trained STEM educators, students explored:

  • Real-world applications of STEM through interactive presentations

  • Live physics demonstrations in the wind tunnel

  • Hands-on lab activities, including parachute investigations

  • Data collection, graphing, and analysis to interpret results

Of course, the highlight for many was the chance to fly in the wind tunnel, experiencing firsthand the power of air pressure and lift!


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pact on Students

Impact on Students

The iFly experience inspired curiosity, confidence, and excitement about STEM careers. Students learned how to:

  • Identify the forces of gravity and air resistance

  • Plan and carry out investigations

  • Measure and record data with precision

  • Analyze results while understanding variability and error in experiments

One challenge—collecting signed waivers from parents—was a small hurdle compared to the overwhelming success of the program.


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A Flight Worth Taking Again

A Flight Worth Taking Again

Teachers reported that students were fully engaged before, during, and after the trip, carrying their curiosity back into the classroom with follow-up activities and discussions. The combination of science, technology, and real-world application left a lasting impression.


Would Ms. Luna recommend this experience to others? Absolutely. The iFly STEM program offers an unmatched environment that shows students just how exciting—and fun—STEM can be.


Congratulations to Ms. Luna and the Hubenak Elementary fifth-grade team for using their I-Fly Grant to spark new excitement for learning and launch their students toward future success!

 
 
 

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