STEM Education at Hill Aerospace Museum
Hill Aerospace Museum Education Program
The Hill Aerospace Museum offers a robust education program that aims at teaching STEM Education concepts and principles to children K- 12. The program focuses on co-curricular subjects and activities relating directly to the State of Utah’s Science curriculum. Our education staff teaches students the basics of flight, astronomy, weather, motion, gravity, forces of nature, and many others.
Lt. Gen. Marc. C. Reynolds Aerospace Center for Education
The Hill Aerospace Museum and the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah are committed to the legacy of those who have served our country. For that purpose, we have created education programs and activities that reach thousands of students. The museum’s Reynolds Aerospace Center for Education (ACE) brings over 60,000 students to the museum each year. Partnerships with school districts, colleges and universities, are critical piece of the education puzzle.
The mission of the Aerospace Center for Education is to strengthen America’s youth by promoting interest in aerospace science, thereby enabling the United States Air Force and our Nation to continue leading the world in aerospace technology and national defense. STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math is at the forefront of our curriculum. The Museum STEM Education experience will enhance and inspire these students to possibly pursue an aerospace-related field as a career.
The Reynolds Aerospace Center for Education is open all day Tuesdays and Fridays and from 12:00 – 4:00 on Thursdays and offers FREE ADMISSION. School groups, youth groups, and other groups should have an appointment. For appointments or further information on the Reynolds Aerospace Center for Education, please call 801-775-3497 or email education@aerospaceutah.org.
Darrell Gronau — Director of Education
Darrell K. Gronau was born in Ogden, Utah, on 29 August 1964. He attended Clearfield High School and was active in Air Force Junior ROTC. In addition, he was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated in May 1982 and In June 1982, enlisted in the United States Air Force Reserve attended Basic Military training that same year. In February of 1983, he entered active duty with the United States Air Force. From 1983 to 1987, his first active duty assignment was at the 405th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Luke AFB, Arizona, as an Aircraft Structural Repair Specialist. He was subsequently assigned to the 555th Aircraft Generation Squadron where he was responsible for the daily maintenance of F-15A and B model aircraft. In May of 1987, he became a full-time Air Technician in the Arizona Air National Guard, assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing as an Airframe Repair Specialist maintaining A-7 and F-16 aircraft. Also, during this time, he attended college and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Western Illinois University and will complete a Master’s Degree in Theology from Franciscan University in May 2020. In 1995, he was selected as an Air National Guard Recruiter in Tucson, Arizona. He was promoted to the Recruiting Office Flight Chief in October 2000. In August 2003, he was selected as the State Recruiting and Retention Superintendent. In 2007 he traveled to the Republic of Kazakhstan to assist in the development of a recruiting program for a volunteer defense force, a first in any former Soviet Bloc nation. In March of 2009 he was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He retired from Active Duty in Feb 2011. He went on to teach JROTC at Clearfield High School and the Utah Military Academy. From 2016-2018 he served as the Chief Restoration Specialist at the Hill Aerospace Museum. He is currently the Director of Education for the Museum. He continues his volunteer activities throughout the community teaching Catechism and mentoring young people. He also served on the Board of Directors at First Southern Christian School.
He was selected as the 162nd Fighter Wing outstanding NCO of the Quarter in 1993, Outstanding NCO of the Year for Arizona in 1995 and nominated as one of the Twelve Outstanding NCOs in the Air Force in 1996. He received the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Citizen-Airman Award in 2000 for his contributions and involvement in the community and country, patriotism, leadership, and military image. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one device, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with three devices, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, Air Force Unit Excellence Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 devices, Arizona Meritorious Service Medal, and Arizona Airman of the Year Medal.
He is married to the former Martina Lisa Castillo of Avondale, Arizona. He has four children, Adam Kirk, age 34, Mark Anthony, age 32, Amarisa Karren age 13 and Adrianna Mary age 12 and two grandchildren, Lilly age 3 and Andy age 2.
