by Jadayah Muhammad
NEW YORK—Muhammad University of Islam (M.U.I.) in New York City hosted STEM Day, a full-day program celebrating the science of flight. STEM Day was for all students, from Pre-K through 12th grade.
M.U.I. STEM Day is an annual hands-on celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math, pioneered by Sister Medinah Eatman Muhammad, also known as “Science Teacher Mom.”
Coined “The Year of Flight,” the day-long school-wide transformative experience focused on aviation, aerospace engineering, and astronomy.
Held on April 3, the day began with students “prepared for take-off.” Each student received a personal passport to carry throughout the day, to be stamped at each workstation or lab they visited.
They were then welcomed into the lecture hall, which had been transformed into an airport. There, they went through a simulation of having their passports stamped at customs, reviewing their plane ticket at the departure gate, boarding an airplane, and being greeted by the flight crew.
Students received a brief introduction to the history of modern flight, from the perseverance of Wilbur and Orville Wright, through trial and error that led to their first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, in 1903, to the determination of Bessie Coleman and Mae Jemison, Black female pioneers in aviation and spaceflight.
They learned about the forces that make flight possible and then they put their creativity and innovation to work by generating ideas for many ways to use a simple sheet of paper.
After a brief safety demonstration in which students were advised to “keep all curiosity and creativity inside the aircraft at all times,” they were cleared for takeoff and sent to their respective Flight Training Labs.
In one lab, titled “I am a pilot,” taught by Aviation in the Nation, students learned what pilots actually do, and experienced a real-world illustration of how planes fly.
Another lab titled “I am a rocket scientist,” guided students in studying the physics of flight with educational organization Enhanced Thoughts, using Alka-Seltzer and a film canister rocket launch system experiment to explore Newton’s Third Law of motion: for every action or force, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Also on STEM Day, students explored how helicopters work and illustrated how simple materials like small popsicle sticks and rubber bands could be used to explore rotor mechanics and lift. In another, they explored the work of air traffic controllers.
Students were even able to take their exploration outside onto the street, as an NYC block in Harlem was reserved for M.U.I. STEM Day, allowing them to launch their rockets and make their artistic expression aerodynamic by making functional kites.
Community partner, Drone Cadets, introduced drone careers and guided students through building and programming drones.
Beyond giving students, the opportunity to experience the fun world of science, students were also introduced to the proper mindset of a scientist. M.U.I. NYC high school student, Brother Elijah Muhammad Jr., shared,
“I enjoyed discussing and designing a rocket based on physics with a group, because it gave us a chance to make something that worked after trial and error by combining different ideas.”
The day also included exposure to industry professionals. The M.U.I. high school students were treated to flying “Business Class,” featuring an all-Black panel of aviation and aerospace professionals, including two commercial pilots, an aviation mechanical engineer, a flight instructor, an aerospace project manager, a glider pilot, and a flight attendant.
This panel served to introduce students to new industries, exposing them to the vast array of careers related to flight, and giving them the opportunity to ask questions.
“It inspired new paths for our students, as they learned about the day in the life of engineering management, flying a plane, repairing aircraft, and more,” said Brother Tariq Muhammad, an aerospace engineer and husband of Sister Medinah.
In a country where Black people are vastly underrepresented in STEM careers—as of 2021, Blacks were about 12% of the adult population in the United States but made up only 9% of the STEM workforce, according to The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education—this initiative serves to close the gap in a way that is fun, accessible, and intentional.
“We believe that by bringing these functions that govern our world—biomedicine, aerospace, architecture—to a level where it’s palatable and fun, we can inspire the scientists of tomorrow who will be rooted in the mission of community service,” said Brother Tariq.
Students were treated to even more of a grand surprise when, after their “in-flight lunch” was served, supported by Aunt Dot’s Kitchen, students returned to the lecture hall, which had been transformed yet again, with an inflatable planetarium that almost reached the ceiling. Fully immersed within the planetarium, students learned about the solar system and the many constellations of the night sky.
While the day-long extravaganza gave the students who attended long-lasting memories, the adults present also enjoyed its impact. “STEM Day is one of my favorite days of the year because it offers our scientists memorable experiences to witness theory transformed into practice,” M.U.I. NYC Director Salimah Muhammad shared.
“It made an impression on their mind that they will never forget. It was a phenomenal experience like no other that should be duplicated and shared with our children all over the Nation,” added elementary science teacher Sister Sharlene Muhammad.
“One of the most powerful moments for me each year is being in the middle of STEM Day, watching students fully immersed—dressed as the professionals we’re highlighting, whether that’s doctors with stethoscopes, pilots, or astronauts.
They’re experimenting, tinkering, exploring, and being poured into by adults who care deeply about their growth. That’s what makes this experience so special … it’s a community effort,” said Sister Medinah.
One younger student, Jr. F.O.I. Brother Abu-Bakr, age eight, summed up his experience. “STEM Day was so fun! The rockets got so high in the air, and then the planes were flying around.”
STEM Day runs on the generosity of volunteers, sponsors, and donors who help bring this vision to life. If you’re willing to contribute your time or expertise, contact scienceteachermom@emacq.com. For more information about Muhammad University of Islam, visit muinyc.org.