This summer’s STEM camp in the village of Unalakleet, Alaska, offered an unforgettable week of hands-on learning and exploration for local youth, with students ranging in age from 6 to 14. Among the many exciting classes, the drone course quickly became a crowd favorite. Taught by Jason Allen, the class introduced students to the basics of drone technology, including flight dynamics, real-world applications, and even simple coding. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students were contagious, and it was inspiring to watch them engage so eagerly with new tools and ideas. The camp also included lessons in fish anatomy, the importance of clean drinking water, hydraulics, solar energy, and other STEM-related topics, all tailored to connect science to the students’ lives in rural Alaska.
The opportunity to stand on the edge of the Bering Sea, surrounded by the beauty and history of the region, was a powerful and humbling experience for the visiting educators. For Jason Allen, the trip was not only a chance to teach but also a meaningful cultural exchange. He expressed his deep appreciation for the chance to work with the amazing students of Unalakleet and to be part of such a vibrant community. A special thank you goes to Cristina Poleacov and Chris Robinson for the invitation, to Caleb for all of his behind-the-scenes efforts, and to every teacher (and photographer, Mark Looney) who contributed their time, energy, and heart to making the camp a success.
Jason is also incredibly grateful to the Bering Strait School District for their support, as well as to the Iowa State University for allowing him to be part of this unique and impactful experience. The school administration’s early invitation to return next year is a testament to the success of the camp and the connections made. Everyone involved is excited for the opportunity to continue building relationships and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators in Unalakleet.
Jason Allen is dedicated to sharing the power of drone technology with anyone that is interested.
Comments