Flying objects are undoubtedly a big draw for students of all ages to pursue a STEM education. As such, the demand for education and training around them is growing. The Understanding Flying Objects program offers a way for students to get both the education of the physics behind flying objects and get hands-on exposure to learn the application of them as well.

The program takes place at Kopernick Observatory and Science Center in Vestal, New York. It is formatted in the form of an 8.5 hour day camp with several segments throughout the day. The program was attended by 24 students, 6 teachers, and 5 parents, as well as five volunteer facilitators. Many of the activities are held outdoors, so some events may be weather permitting. Flying discs are used as tools, allowing students to explore the principles of physics including adjusting flight environments and launch parameters that can affect flight. At the end of the day, a short round of disc golf is played on the new Kopernik disc golf course. The game can be scaled to age-appropriate levels from K-12 students. 

Kids are encouraged to apply the theoretical concepts they learned while competing in the game and other activities.

Understanding Flying Objects (UFOs) was funded by the IEEE Pre-University STEM Portal Grant Program in 2021.