Oct. 31, 2024-- STEAM Academy AP capstone students took research to another level entirely at iFLY in King of Prussia, PA Oct. 28.

Research students were flying high in the US Army Golden Knights Bodyflight training and experience lab.

"Our students were literally knocked right off their feet in this unique opportunity to engage in indoor skydiving," said APR instructor Jessica Kurtz.

The entire experience was guided by the Golden Knights-- world-class, certified instructors affiliated with the United States Aerial Performance Team and the International Bodyflight Association. Such pedigreed personnel meant that even Kurtz herself felt (somewhat) comfortable being; she joined her students in the wind tunnel for hands-on aerodynamics lessons.

So did other adults in the room, including ASR teacher Christine Girtain and HSN history teachers Kate McGuckin and Melissa Devlin.

The Army Body Flight Experience is a unique training program designed to mirror the principles taught in the Army, including simulating the effects of free fall and airborne operations. At this event, participants engaged in a series of three-flight activities that replicate the physical and psychological challenges faced during parachute jumps and other aerial maneuvers, including the body's response to hurricane-force winds, simulation of free fall, effects of body positioning, and control of movements.

Students were also able to engage with the principles of flight and aerodynamics through other hands-on experiences, including the physics and flight aerodynamics of parachutes, as well explore the engineering and technology behind the development of the indoor skydiving chambers.

"Thank you to the US Army for helping Toms River Schools turn research into action!" said Kurtz.