Learning truly took flight at St. Michael’s School thanks to a special collaboration with Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. First-grade students participated in hands-on learning experiences designed through CAP’s ACE Program—Aerospace Connections in Education—sparking curiosity and excitement around science and aviation.

Typically, educators connect with CAP through the ACE Adopt+ Program by requesting an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) or a local CAP squadron to “adopt” their classroom. In this case, however, the partnership began in a more personal—and joyful—way. Mrs. Nickles, St. Michael’s second-grade teacher, reached out to her twin sister, who is actively involved in the program, to help bring this unique opportunity to our students.

The program culminated in an immersive airport simulation that brought learning to life as students put their new skills into action. Using radio calls, the phonetic alphabet, air-traffic right-of-way rules, marshalling signals, and airport signage, students worked together to navigate the experience just like real aviation professionals.

For a full hour, the runway came alive. Jets and tow planes took off. A dice-roll determined surprise arrivals, including military aircraft from JBER. Hot-air balloons drifted down over the field. At one point, a pilot declared an engine failure with a dramatic “Mayday!” There were slippery, sweat-covered buttons, kids racing by with inflatable planes, and nonstop motion everywhere we looked.

But most importantly—there was learning. Authentic, joyful, hands-on learning that students will remember long after the inflatable planes are put away.

Check out our video that captured the simulation.