STEM Learning Resources

What you'll find here

Take a glance through what's new in Civil Air Patrol's STEM Learning Resources. We are constantly refining and developing our lesson and activities offerings. If you have been with us for awhile, you will see updates of many. From foundational aerospace principles to the stories of those who paved the way, our resources bridge the gap between history and the high-tech future:

Fan-Favorite Resources: Dive into our flagship AEX (Aerospace Excellence) and ACE (Aerospace Connections in Education) lessons, recognized for their interactive approach and ease of implementation in classrooms and squadrons alike.
Cultural and Historical Legacies: Inspire students with the legacy of aviation through our specialized volumes, including the heroic stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and the trailblazing achievements of Women in Aviation.
Multimedia Learning: Access video demonstrations of our most popular lessons, providing a visual guide to ensure your STEM activities are successful and engaging from takeoff to landing.
Team Challenges: Projects designed to mirror real-world aerospace engineering, encouraging students to work together, fail forward, and iterate their way to success

FUELING THE FUTURE OF AEROSPACE

At the heart of our mission is a powerful goal: to inspire and empower the next generation of aerospace leaders. When learners are given the space to design, engineer, iterate, and collaborate, they are stepping into a journey of STEM discovery that we hope lasts a lifetime. Together, we are teaching more than science and math; we are providing the spark that turns a curious student into a future engineer, pilot, or explorer.

Our catalog of educational resources is designed to spark curiosity and cultivate a passion for flight, space, and innovation. Whether you are an Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) or an Aerospace Education Member (AEM), these tools and lessons are built to help you turn any environment into a laboratory of discovery.

MORE TO COME: THE FUTURE OF CIVIL AIR PATROL AE RESOURCES

A MODERN APPROACH TO STEM: ROOTED IN CAP EXCELLENCE

The future of our Aerospace Education (AE) learning resources is built on a foundation of proven success. We are taking the tried-and-true lessons that have been fan favorites for years and elevating them to reflect modern innovation and the cutting edge of industry technology.

By blending the high-quality content you know and trust from CAP with 21st-century educational tools, we are ensuring our resources remain as relevant as they are impactful. This isn’t just an update—it’s a strategic expansion designed to launch our legacy of aerospace education into the future.

OUR REVISED LESSON FRAMEWORK

Built-in Facilitator Support: We’ve streamlined your prep time. Lessons now include pre-lesson planning guidance, background knowledge to help facilitators answer questions and feel confident leading the lesson, and all necessary learner handouts, to name a few.
Expanded Educational Standards: To better support our AEMs in the classroom, our content is aligned with national standards, including Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Mathematics, International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, and the National Council for the Social Studies, making it easier to integrate STEM into any subject.
Digital Extensions: We’ve bridged the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Lessons feature links to digital exhibits and archives, simulations, and curated videos to help students explore the "why" behind the "how."
Safety Guides: Every interactive project includes integrated safety protocols specific to that project, fostering a responsible "Safety First" culture from the start.
Lesson Debrief Surveys: Your feedback drives our innovation. Each lesson includes a quick survey to help us continue iterating and improving our resources based on your real-world experience.

INTERACTIVE PRESENTATIONS: STEM AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

To complement our written guides, we are introducing Interactive Presentations. These ready-to-use tools are designed to drive engagement during squadron meetings or class periods:

Dynamic Visuals: High-quality imagery and animations that demonstrate complex assembly steps for STEM builds.
Embedded Engagement: Discussion prompts, interactive diagrams, and knowledge checks are built directly into the slides to keep learners focused and active.

ABSORB LMS

EXPLORE THE CIVIL AIR PATROL AE CATALOG

Finding the perfect Aerospace Education lesson is now easier than ever in Absorb! Quickly filter and locate resources by topic, grade level, duration, and more. Plus, many lessons feature coordinating interactive presentations that can be used as dynamic slide decks during instruction. All these new legacy lessons as well as those lessons from previous CAP publications have been migrated into the Absorb. These publications have been desconstructed and tagged so that finding the lessons you need is easier.

To get started:

Log in to Absorb (eServices > Online Learning > Absorb)
Select the menu icon in the top right-hand corner
Choose “Resources”
Select the AE Resources folder to see all lessons, filter using tags, or search by lesson name

Screen shot of Absorb LMS

Try the tags below to get started:

Under 30 Minutes	ACE Plus	Sciences	Teamwork Development
30 Minutes	AEX	Math	Time Management Development
45 Minutes	Aviation	Engineering	Problem-Solving
60 Minutes	Space	Digital Literacy	Leadership Development

SAFETY

SAFETY FIRST: CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF RESPONSIBILITY

In aerospace, safety is more than a checklist—it is a foundational mindset. Whether you are leading a classroom build or a squadron project, establishing a "Safety First" culture ensures that learners can focus on innovation without risk.

Before beginning any project-based STEM activity, follow these guidelines to ensure a secure and productive learning environment.

THE PRE-LAUNCH BRIEFING

Every activity should begin with a dedicated safety briefing. Tailor this talk to the specific materials and environment of your project:

Define the Zone: Establish clear boundaries for where tools and materials (like spray paint or adhesives) can be used.
Set Expectations: Discourage horseplay and emphasize that professional behavior is required when handling engineering tools.
The "Tool Count": For sharp instruments like snap knives or scissors, consider numbering each tool. Account for every item before dismissing the group to ensure nothing is left behind or misplaced.

MATERIAL AND TOOL SAFETY

STEM experiences often involve specialized tools. Use the following precautions:

Sharp Instruments: Always model proper usage. Ensure students understand never to point tools at others and to retract blades immediately after use.
Adhesives and Chemicals: * Ventilation: Use spray paints and strong adhesives only in well-ventilated areas or outdoors.
- Eye Protection: Safety goggles should be worn whenever there is a risk of splashes or fumes.
- Supervision: Use "Fast Bond" adhesives (like Super Glue) only under direct adult supervision. When possible, opt for safer alternatives like low-temp glue guns.
Heat Sources: Ensure glue guns are used as intended and placed on heat-resistant surfaces when not in active use.

EMERGENCY READINESS

Preparedness is the key to a quick response. Always ensure:

First Aid Access: A fully stocked first aid kit and an emergency contact plan must be readily available.
Vigilant Supervision: The supervising adult should remain engaged and mobile, moving throughout the space to identify and mitigate potential hazards before they occur.
Professional Care: In the event of an injury, apply immediate

Note for CAP Squadron Members: > CAP members should always consult the CAP NCSA & Encampment Safety guidelines and CAPR 62-1 for official safety regulations.