STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is the heart of aviation, and it’s crucial that the next generation be skilled in these fields. Such is the importance of STEM that it’s the theme of the Tinker Air Show: “STEM Takes Flight.” A wide variety of exhibits will be available in the STEM CITY hangar at the northwestern end of the air show grounds; filled with dozens of fun activities for all ages. Visitors can explore robotics, drone technology and even learn about the technology that Tinker employs on a daily basis to deliver airpower for America. STEM CITY is a free activity put on by local community groups; schools; and aeronautic/aviation companies.

Tinker Air Force Base: Civilian career opportunities available on Tinker AFB will be showcased. Displays include a variety of aircraft maintenance capabilities, parts, and a simple engine that helps the nation’s Warfighters keep our nation safe.

Gigi Coleman Brooms: Great-niece of legendary pilot Bessie Coleman, the first female of African American and Native American heritage to earn her international pilots license, will be inspiring and educating air show attendees as she honors her trailblazing relative through her one-woman show!

Northrup Grumman: Participants will create interactive circuit boards utilizing battery operated snap circuit kits to create movement and lights on a circuit board.

Oklahoma State University: Participants will learn basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts by using building components with circuits to assemble electronic circuits on a simple “rows-and-columns” base grid. Participant will also have the opportunity to assembly and fly airplanes. Educational giveaways will be available.

Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission: Aero education experts and pilots will help visitors build balsa wood airplanes while learning the Bernoulli principals of flight; labeling the parts of the plane that create the four forces of flight; lift, thrust, drag, and weight.

Spirit Wind: Visitors will construct their own windmill and discover how and why a windmill produces lift. Explore and experiment with the exciting concepts of solar energy.

Tulsa Air & Space Museum: Stomp rocket machines will let students test different types of rocket constructions and learn why some rocket designs are more successful than others.

Justin Lewis Micro Jet on Display: Since its conception in 1971, the “World’s Smallest Jet” has been thrilling airshow audiences all over the world. Using today’s advanced technology, the FLS Microjet features equipment that even James Bond couldn’t imagine.

Pratt & Whitney: F-35s take flight with Pratt & Whitney. Come see a 1/4 scale F135 engine up close and learn about how these engines power freedom. Then, try your own hand at powering a paper F-35 by creating “thrust” with balloons.

STARBASE: Participants will drive/program the Sphero BOLT on a course. BOLT is Sphero’s most advanced round coding robotic ball to date, providing even more ways to express inventive ideas and experience the power of programming.

OU Sooner Flight Academy: Participants will experience throwing an aerobatic foam plane, see a demonstration on levitating a beach ball displaying Bernoulli’s Principal. Giveaways will include pencils and printed paper airplanes.

Mid-Del Technology Center/Rose State College: Participants will bowl with our Sphero Drones or spell in the air with Tello Drones in our interactive and fun drone adventure. A Flight Simulator will be on hand for children to fly simulations. Paper plane activities will be available as well.

CareerTech STEM: CareerTech STEM will provide hands on activities where students will be challenged to problem solve and use the design process to create and test a project following given criteria.

CareerTech Counseling Division (CCD): The CCD booth will have Lego bricks allowing visitors to use their imagination to create something from their minds eye. They will also talk about free career assessments for PreK to adults in Oklahoma.

Boeing: Participants will be involved in activities such as: Lego robot programming, folding paper plane with guides, frisbees, building wooden planes, activity sheets, 3D printer and photo frames.

Drone Works: Participants will program drones to successfully fly through obstacles. This is a CareerTech TSA competition available to students in Oklahoma.

First Robotics: Students will use problem solving skills to drive a robot through a course to attempt to complete a specific objective.