Brandi Clark, Michigan AEM

Sixth-grade math and STEM teacher Brandi Clark says her students have enjoyed CAP's STEM Kits, such as the indoor quadcopter.

September 18, 2024

Meet Brandi Clark, a 6th grade math and STEM teacher in a rural community in Kalkaska, Michigan. This is her 16th year of teaching, and she became a CAP Aerospace Education Member (AEM) 6 years ago. She praises the value of the resources she has received from CAP. "Over the years I've invested in robotics kits, 3D printers and other STEM activities to build relationships with students who don't really enjoy math class," she says. "Having STEM Kits from Civil Air Patrol has saved me so much money. I would never have been able to purchase Spheros and Drones on my own, and they have sparked interest in a lot of my students."  In addition to Spheros and quadcopters, she has used several other STEM Kits and participates in the Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program. These programs fit well with her philosophy of providing an engaging learning environment for her students. "I've always loved helping struggling students find their light bulb moments going back to my days of tutoring in high school." We asked her some questions about her teaching career and CAP membership, and her answers follow.

Tell us about your current school and the grades and subjects that you teach. 

I teach 6th grade math and STEM at Kalkaska Middle School in Kalkaska, Michigan. The school is in a rural community. 

How many years have you been an educator and why have you stayed in the field?

Brandi Clark is in her 16th year of teaching.

I started my career as a high school teacher working several years in an alternative high school, where my students loved doing engaging STEM projects like homemade bubbles and paper airplane contests. This is my 16th year of teaching. I've always loved helping struggling students find their light bulb moments going back to my days of tutoring in high school. My love for STEM comes from my time doing Science Olympiad when I was in high school.

What is your philosophy of teaching?

I can't make a student learn, but I can provide fun opportunities for them to engage with the material so that they want to learn. I try my best to break things down into smaller, less intimidating pieces that we can build on. I also believe building relationships has been a key factor in my students' achievements.

How many years have you been involved in Civil Air Patrol and how did you become involved?

I have been involved for 6 years. Civil Air Patrol Maj. Brian Green gave a teacher presentation on the opportunities the program would unlock. I remember being in total disbelief that such a resource existed and hardly cost me anything to join.

Please list awards/honors/achievements you have received as an educator that you would like to include. 

• Michigan's 2023-24 Region 2 Teacher of the Year

Please describe any Civil Air Patrol education programs you participate in and why you participate. 

I've used a lot of the STEM kits (drones, Spheros, Snaptricity, Kano, Bridge Building, Renewable Energy, 30 Days Lost in Space, and more) over the years and now I'm using ACE lessons.

Why do you teach in the Aerospace Education/STEM area?

Kids are naturally curious; so I like to inspire that curiosity. Drones and Spheros really grab their attention because those are things they don't generally have at home.

What do you and/or your students like about Civil Air Patrol programs/materials?

Over the years I've invested in robotics kits, 3D printers and other STEM activities to build relationships with students who don't really enjoy math class. Having STEM kits from Civil Air Patrol has saved me so much money. I would never have been able to purchase Spheros and Drones on my own, and they have sparked interest in a lot of my students. Last year, we used the Spheros to tell a story and had so much fun programming.

What is the best advice you have for a new AEM working with CAP programs and materials?

There are more opportunities than just the STEM kits. This year I've started to use lessons from the ACE materials.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience you have had working with students or colleagues using CAP programs:

Our first year we tried to fly drones in the hall and crashed a ton for several days. Within a week, the kids were better at flying them than me, and we were taking aerial photos of the school. 

Is there anything we didn't ask that you'd like to say? Please tell us anything else you’d like to add for this feature. 

STEM has given me an in with several students that I had previously struggled to motivate. It has allowed me to build relationships and earn kids' trust. That trust definitely transfers to math class.

Brandi Clark's students show their 3D printed marble run pieces, which they designed and Clark's husband, Shawn, printed.