EDUCATION:
Shaping
the Face of Aviation's Future
Aviation education. It's
as simple as a trip to the local airport for a group of first graders
or a national art contest with aviation as its theme. Or it can be as
complex as a formal program for high school students that integrates
the science and math of aerodynamics into the curriculum.
Learning
about aviation -- its many roles in the community and impact on the
economy, the varied professions that keep aviation airborne, or the
cutting-edge research needed to develop the aircraft of tomorrow --
can build support for aviation and the local airport. It can be the
catalyst for a career.
The State of Minnesota has
produced a comprehensive catalog of educational programs and information.
It includes an overview of elementary to high-school level programs,
and age-appropriate aviation and space resources for kindergarten through
6th Grade and 7th through 12th grades. It provides a list of Minnesota's
aviation organizations that offer classroom resources.
Other states' aviation and
education officials, such as those in New Jersey, formally recognize
teachers who base their curriculum on facets of aviation or include
aviation as part of the lessons in a certain discipline, such as science
and math.
And some programs tie educational
performance to flight training. Students accepted into the Caldwell,
New Jersey based Eagle Flight Squadron program must maintain a high
grade-point average to remain in their program, one that applies the
lessons of school to the lessons of aviation. And while learning the
joys of aviation, the students are learning self-discipline.
What
may be hundreds of airports open their doors each day to students of
all ages, allowing them to see first-hand the wonders and joys of flight.
Chances are pretty good that, later that day, the parents of those young
airport visitors will get an earful in support of the local airport.
A child's influence can't be underestimated, nor can the instruction
and influence of a dedicated teacher or adult.
Aviation can excite and stimulate
learning. It can transform a student lacking clear direction into one
who is inspired and goal-oriented. How often have we learned of yet
another participant in America's Space Shuttle program who dreamed as
a child of going to the stars -- not as a pilot, but as a scientist
or doctor starting with the dream of flight?
Finally, when it comes to
gaining support for aviation, educators and government have known for
years that the shortest distance between a call to action and actually
doing something is a child's prodding. Whether it's encouragement to
recycle or an urgent plea to quit smoking, children and the lessons
they learn in school can serve as a powerful motivation.
View the "Educational
Organizations/Programs/Lesson Materials" of our state
pages to find places to turn for programs that might meet your needs.
Related Links:
Good
grades plus discipline equals the left seat. Learn how Reverend
Russell White motivates participants in the Eagle Flight Squadron
to aspire to not only a Cessna 152, but to Daniel Webster College
in New Hampshire, the United States Air Force Academy, and careers
in aviation law. Turn to the story in our Resources
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