Novi Students Embrace State-of-the-Art STEM Center
Novi, Michigan – Catholic Central High School is unveiling its impressive new STEM center, a groundbreaking facility that has brought excitement and opportunity for students. The center, which cost $61 million, features cutting-edge technology, including an observatory with a telescope capable of spotting stars even during daylight, a large space for robotics competitions, and an aviation simulator.
Facilities Designed for Future Innovators
The 5,300-square-foot robotics competition space allows students to engage in hands-on learning, while the RedBird 180° Flight Simulator offers aspiring pilots the chance to fly various aircraft virtually. Senior Charlie Dierkes is one of the students participating in the school’s Ground School program, learning vital flight skills with the help of Cross Winds Aviation, an organization that specializes in aviation training.
Amy Ely, the director of STEM at Catholic Central, emphasized the benefits of the flight simulator, stating, “They’re all FAA certified, so they’ll be able to use some of that towards their pilot’s license, but they’ll be able to get more practice before they go in the air.” This means students can accumulate valuable flight hours while still in school, giving them a head start in their aviation careers.
Student Experiences and Aspirations
Senior Owen Young recently completed his first solo flight. He demonstrated the capabilities of the flight simulator, highlighting that it “can simulate any airport in the world.” He further explained, “As I’m turning, I can see the houses and trees,” showcasing the simulator’s realistic features with 270-degree views and up-to-date images of landscapes.
Another senior, Hayden Sawka, is already making strides in his flying journey. “I started flying last year in August, earned my pilot’s license in June, hoping to go on to do it as a career and fly to the airlines,” said Sawka. He believes that the new simulator and training equipment will significantly benefit students just starting their flight training.
Hands-on Learning in Robotics
Beyond aviation, the new STEM center also promotes robotics. “Operating the robot is one thing, programming the robot is another; building the robot is what our machine lab is for,” noted Ely. To further support robotics enthusiasts, the machine lab will be open to other teams that may lack access to similar facilities. The school plans to host Shop Mentor Saturdays, where the CC Shamrocks will assist local robotics teams with their projects.
A Cosmic Perspective
The observatory dome within the STEM center allows students to explore the universe with specialized equipment designed for tracking and photographing stars. This facility enhances in-class studies related to astronomy and encourages student involvement in celestial exploration. Catholic Central plans to host Star Parties for the public before the year ends, showcasing stunning images of space captured by students.
Conclusion
The new STEM center at Catholic Central High School in Novi represents a significant investment in educational resources, fostering a generation of innovators in both aviation and robotics. With its modern facilities and hands-on learning opportunities, students are empowered to pursue their passions and prepare for future careers in technology and engineering.
