Back for another thrilling adventure, students returned to iFLY New York to experience the science of flight firsthand. With excitement in the air, the group dove into the fundamentals of physics and terminal velocity under the guidance of enthusiastic instructors. Complex concepts were transformed into engaging, hands-on lessons, giving students the chance to see the science they’d learned in class come to life.

The day continued with a collaborative lab session, where students applied calculations, made predictions, and measured real-world outcomes. With participants from all class years, including Honors College students, the activities fostered teamwork and curiosity, allowing students to connect theory with practice in a fun, interactive environment.

Of course, the highlight came when it was time to take to the skies—or, in this case, the vertical wind tunnel. Students suited up and stepped into the glass tube, floating weightlessly and experiencing the science of flight in action. Many described it as a truly “uplifting” experience, a perfect conclusion that showcased how hands-on STEM learning can be both thrilling and educational.

This field trip was made possible through our KEEN Partnership and their Engineering Unleashed initiative. New York Tech’s College of Engineering & Computing Sciences is proud to be a member of KEEN, the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network—a national coalition of engineering faculty and staff committed to fostering innovation in engineering education for the betterment of society.

^{This article was contributed by Jessica Cernadas, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences.}