Local Students Stars of Starbase 
  
Tuesday's a school day, but for some local students their usual lesson for the next
five weeks won't be in the classroom. Twenty Northside Middle School 8th-graders took 
part in Starbase Robins at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. The engineering
program kicked off Tuesday and teaches kids a math and science-based curriculum based
on activities like designing models and writing morse code.

"It's not just learning out of the textbook," said Starbase Robins Director Wesley Fondal.
"You're actually getting your hands on the computer, on the materials."


Ernie Gonzales with the Department of Defense came to the base for the program's launch.
He says the D.O.D. partnered with the Museum of Aviation to give local students an exciting
educational opportunity."We want students to have a good understanding and knowledge about 
science and math and engineering," said Gonzales. "In the end, the kids will have opportunities
to pursue those fields."Students attending the program said they didn't even feel like they
were in school.

"It's a lot of fun," said a smiling Shannon Adams. "It's fun to learn about communications and
math and science and not be in a normal classroom."

"Oh yeah, that's awesome," shouted Jordan Smith. "It's like we don't really have to go to school. 
We come here and learn here and they take a boring lesson and make you remember something that
you can really use."

One visitor who spoke to the kids about the importance of working hard in the program said it's 
up to them to take advantage of Starbase Robin's potential.

"It gives these kids an opportunity that they wouldn't otherwise have to be exposed to some 
really exciting things," said Congressman Jim Marshall. "This can help them head in the right 
direction."


Kier Joy
WMAZ Macon Georgia