STARBASE 2.0 teams had the opportunity to compete in the First Lego League Regional Tournament hosted by Middle Georgia State University. This tournament is a qualifying event for the Central Georgia First Lego League Super Regional Qualifier. This year's theme, "Super Powered" has the teams reimaging the future of sustainable energy.

We would like to thank all of our STARBASE 2.0 teams who competed in the Regional Tournament Appling Middle School, Byron Middle School, Cirrus Academy, Feagin Mill Middle School, Rutland Middle School, and Sacred Heart Catholic School. A big thank you to all STARBASE 2.0 sponsoring teachers, coordinator/facilitators, and students for exhibiting Gracious Professionalism and fierce competition in competing against other teams in the Middle Georgia area.

We are pleased to announce that Byron Middle School advanced to the Super Regional Qualifier held last month in Columbus, Georgia. Although they did not advance to the State Competition, we are very proud of their hard work and accomplishments.

STARBASE ROBINS would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers, and teams for supporting the Central Georgia FIRST Lego League (FLL) Super Regional Qualifier. Your contribution helped to make this year's event a success. With your support, you are helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, astronauts, doctors, and leaders.

We had 23 teams from across the state and over 300 spectators to converge here at the Museum of Aviation. Eight teams from our tournament advanced to the state competition to be held this month at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. We would like to thank Houston County's Robotics Team 3635 (The Flying Legion) for recruiting student volunteers to support and assist with our tournament and for coming to share information about their program. We would also like to thank Burger IM and Salsa Mexican Grill Food Trucks for servicing our guests onsite.

If you were a sponsor, volunteer, or came with a team, please take a moment to complete our survey by clicking on the link below. I hope you will consider joining us next year. Thank you for being a big part of our success!

Thank You to our Sponsors:

• Carmax Cares
• Cascade
• Museum of Aviation Flight and Technology Center
• Red Lobster
• Standard Technology
• Zaxby's

What a time had by all! The STARBASE ROBINS staff and academy students were excited to be back with one another to dive into more STEM experiments and lessons. We took some of the lessons that went over well during the summer and extended them for our Saturday Spark along with introducing new lessons. The lessons ranged from fractals with math, little bits (circuitry), Ag STEM, and team building exercises. Students tested their knowledge gained with a round of Kahoot as a ticket out the door. The students were so engaged that parents were ushered into the classroom at the end of the day because they were not ready to leave at the time of dismissal. This speaks volumes about how much learning and excitement took place in the classroom!

If you missed our October Saturday Spark, STARBASE ROBINS will host another Saturday Spark on March 11, 2023, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. We invite new and returning middle school-aged students to apply. The deadline to register is Friday, March 3. The $50.00 registration fee includes all materials and supplies. Limited spots are available. Click on the link below to register.

STARBASE 1.0 is a 5-day Department of Defense (DoD) STEM education program for 5th grade students in the Middle Georgia area. Students are bused from their local elementary school to the Museum of Aviation to complete 25 hours of stimulating hands-on experiential learning. We need volunteers to come and speak to a class from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm (30 minutes) about their careers. Consider today, how you can play a role by inspiring young minds. You are invited to sign up to speak on different days throughout the school year. Click on the career guide link below to sign up today.

STARBASE 2.0 is a school-based afterschool club open to 6th-8th grade students in participating schools in Bibb, Houston, Peach, and Twiggs. We are recruiting new students and volunteers for the spring semester which kicks off on Monday, February 6, and will run through Thursday, April 20th. If you have a student enrolled in one of our participating schools, your child is eligible to join our 2.0 club. This semester, students will get the opportunity to build, code, and fly drones. To register contact the STARBASE 2.0 Teacher Sponsor at the participating school. If you are interested in learning more information about our 2.0 clubs or would like to volunteer email Andrew Dennis Jr., at andrew@starbaserobins.org or call 478-926-4119.

STARBASE ROBINS welcomes Dr. Mary Landon, "Spouse of Brigadier General Elizabeth Arledge, Air Force Sustainment Center, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander," Mrs. Natalie Hawkins, "Spouse of Lieutenant General Stacey Hawkins, Air Force Sustainment Center, Commander," and Donna Schultz, "Spouse of Chief Master Sergeant Robert Schultz, Air Force Sustainment Center, Command Chief." The purpose of the tour is to build the capacity of our VIP guests in understanding ongoing resiliency initiatives, wellness, quality of life, and educational programs that show how Robins Air Force Base takes care of airmen and their families. During their visit, Dr. Landon, Mrs. Hawkins, and Mrs. Schultz toured the facility and received an overview of our program from the STARBASE ROBINS Executive Director. They also had the opportunity to meet with 5th grade students, teachers, and staff.

STARBASE ROBINS will highlight our work to strengthen our existing partnerships and form new partnerships to create meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for all students. This work will be featured in the Partnerships in Education Matter series section of our newsletter.

As a Community Partner, we had the opportunity to participate in important conversations that will help to shape the future of Bibb County Schools over the next five years. Our voice at the table will help to strengthen our existing partnership with Bibb County Schools to ensure we are bridging the gap to create meaningful learning opportunities for all students in preparing them for future success.

The Strategic Design Team is comprised of parents, students, teachers, principals, assistant principals, district leadership, and community partners. This collaborative work will result in a comprehensive five-year plan that outlines Bibb County School's strategic goals, mission, and vision.

Do you desire to learn tips and strategies to make STEM part of your everyday classroom? If so, the Griffiss Institute will host a teacher development STEM educator workshop on May 20, 2023, at the Museum of Aviation in the National STEM Academy's Space and Innovation Center Building. The activities and materials will be put together and provided in a take home class set for educators to integrate into their classrooms. The attendees will receive a $200 stipend for attending. The event is free to attend and will last from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are interested in attending the event, please click on the link below to register.

STARBASE ROBINS celebrates Black History Month. In this newsletter, we will pay tribute to African Americans who have made an impact in STEM by breaking through racial and gender barriers to create a pathway for students to pursue careers in STEM. As a Department of Defense (DoD) STEM education program, we serve students that are historically underrepresented in STEM. This includes students who live in inner cities or rural communities, are socio-economically disadvantaged, and students who are performing below grade level, or have a disability. Our purpose for sharing these stories is to inspire young minds by celebrating those "Unsung Heroes" that have helped to shape American History. The resources shared include links to videos, lesson plans, and other resources.