23 Oct Carlthorp School’s STEM Day Soars with STEMPILOT’s Aviation Simulators

At Carlthorp School’s STEM Day, students had the chance to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through a unique, hands-on aviation experience—thanks to STEMPILOT.

Carlthorp School, located in Santa Monica, California, is already home to four STEMPILOT Edustation Pro simulators, giving students the opportunity to step into the pilot’s seat and apply real-world STEM concepts through the excitement of flight. This year STEMPILOT was thrilled to join the school’s STEM Day celebration, offering interactive flight simulation activities that inspired curiosity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

From Inspiration to Implementation

The connection between STEMPILOT and Carlthorp began in a serendipitous way. A Carlthorp parent attended the Spirit of Santa Monica’s Douglas Day, where STEMPILOT showcased its aviation-based learning systems to families and community members. Impressed by the impact the simulators had on students at the event, that parent envisioned bringing the same experience to Carlthorp.

With their help, the school acquired multiple Edustation Pro simulators, officially launching a STEM Lab powered by aviation—a space where students can explore physics, engineering, and aerodynamics in a hands-on, immersive way.

STEM Learning That Takes Off

STEMPILOT’s Edustation Pro simulators are more than just flight decks—they’re comprehensive learning tools designed to teach foundational STEM concepts in an engaging and memorable way. From understanding the forces of flight and navigation to learning how math and science are used in real-world aviation, students gain the kind of skills that build confidence and curiosity for future STEM pathways.

At Carlthorp’s STEM Day, STEMPILOT’s setup became one of the most popular stations of the event. Students eagerly lined up to take their turn at the controls, practicing takeoffs, turns, and landings—all while connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications. Teachers and parents were equally amazed to see how quickly students grasped concepts like lift, thrust, and drag through experiential learning.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Events like STEM Day remind us why hands-on learning is so impactful. STEMPILOT’s mission has always been to make STEM education accessible, exciting, and relevant, and the enthusiasm from Carlthorp students proved just how powerful that mission is.

As STEMPILOT continues to partner with schools across the country, experiences like this serve as a testament to the power of aviation as an educational tool. By allowing students to see, touch, and feel the science of flight, we’re not just teaching them how to fly—we’re helping them build the confidence and problem-solving skills needed to soar in any future career.