January 2004 161
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS as a catalyst:
For several years and on numerous
occasions, the Education Committee has
discussed aeromodeling and schools.
The questions have always been, “How
do we get teachers to utilize aeromodeling?
How do we convince them that they can
utilize aeromodeling to demonstrate subjects
they are already teaching?”
In today’s classroom, it is no longer
enough to simply show up, move the control
surfaces on an airplane, give a flight
demonstration, and be finished. We must do
more and through discussions with members
of the Education Committee it is apparent
that AMA members interested in education
have recognized the same situation.
We know from our own experiences with
students that aviation is an exciting and
inspirational activity. I cannot count the
number of times that a model airplane, once
released, has caused all eyes to follow its
flight with awed excitement. Whether it is a
simple FPG-9 foam-plate glider, a rubberpowered
slip-together model, or a radiocontrolled
aircraft, young and old alike are
drawn to it.
Trade shows are a perfect example of
this. It is one thing at an aeromodeling show
like Pasadena or Toledo where flying models
are expected, but at a National Science
Teachers Convention in San Diego?
It does not matter; it is like a moth to a
flame. As soon as we launch that first model,
we are flooded with onlookers full of
questions. There is so much curiosity there.
The onlookers want to know all about it.
“How does it fly?” “How do you make it
circle like that?”
That bring us to the year 2003. This
December will mark a tremendous point in
the history of the world. It is the 100th
anniversary of the moment when man broke
the confines of the earth to soar above the
clouds.
As aviation enthusiasts, we are not alone
in our excitement. Around the globe, the year
has been filled with events and celebrations
honoring the Wright brothers and their
achievements. Likewise, the media has been
quick to respond with programming
dedicated to the Wrights as well as those
trying to duplicate their achievement.
This 100-year anniversary offers us as
aeromodelers new opportunities to share our
knowledge. Because of the interest generated
by the events surrounding the centennial,
educators will be in search of an
understanding of the event and the aircraft
involved.
How, for example, did wing warping help
Orville and Wilbur Wright control their
airplane?
There lies our chance to bring aviation
into the classroom. For this to work, though,
we cannot expect to simply use the same
demonstrations. We must focus on this event
and modify our presentation to support it.
In past years, a school trip to the National
Model Aviation Museum included a tour of
the museum and—weather permitting—a
flight demonstration. One of our outreach
programs included a history of aeromodeling
utilizing various types of flying models.
Education coordinator Jack Frost puts on
a flight demonstration for a class of
elementary students. The youngsters
didn’t take their eyes off of the aircraft in
flight.
Students enjoy building the FPG-9 gliders
during the museum tours.
Today a tour includes a special
presentation on the Wright brothers. Yes, our
exhibit “Spinning Tops to Whirling Props” is
a bonus, but something this elaborate is
unnecessary. Now when I give outreach
programs I take pictures of the gliders and
flyers built and flown by the Wrights that can
be passed around.
Museum curator Michael Smith is
explaining to students the early history of
the Wright brothers.
With both the museum tour and the
outreach program I also include boxes that
can be passed around allowing those
interested the opportunity to see how Orville
came up with the idea to warp the Wright
Flyer’s wings. Last but not least, I include a
flyer version of the “Bat.”
Building and flying a “Bat” helps students
better understand what first interested the
Wrights in aviation.
In both cases I still talk about the history
of model aviation, discuss how airplanes are
controlled, and if nothing else still fly small
Indoor Rubber models. However, it is all
intertwined with the story of the Wrights.
If you are interested in promoting
aeromodeling, take this opportunity and run
with it. The interest is there, whether it is in a
school, a retirement community, or a Lions
Club meeting.
Use your knowledge in aviation to help
those who are interested better understand
the Wrights and their aircraft, and in a
roundabout way better understand model
aviation.
—Michael Smith
Education Committee member
Focus on Education
Jack Frost
AMA Education
Coordinator
Tel.: (765) 287-1256
Ext. 515
[email protected]
04jan.qxd 10/23/03 12:05 pm Page 161
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 161