What did they do? Used an egg to test inertia, landed a plane with a simulated flight program, used CAD to design a space station, built and launched model rockets and more. Parents were invited for the rocket launch and graduation ceremony. The instructors were frank:
We do not have enough math and science majors to fill the (security) needs of the U.S.
Math is the language of science
What Starbase Atlantis does is more exciting that the science program at probably 95% of the schools. Perhaps they will turn a few heads to consider that as a field, but it doesn't mean they will go through the military.
I agree with everything you wrote. I had mentioned my previous post that my son had attended the program here in San Diego. I can't wait for my daughter to reach 4th grade and be eligible.