Last month we discussed how varied learners require diversity in their approach to acquiring information. We determined that doing it the way we’ve always done it isn’t working, and that the input of a learner is absolutely critical in this process.
Well, truthfully I did all the discussing and hopefully you were reading it … gotta’ love how an educator poses a “discussion.”
This month we’ll continue down the same path but with a twist—the twist is aviation. Our departmental motto is “Education through Aviation.” This doesn’t mean that we exclusively teach aviation, but rather use it as a tool to motivate and illustrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Our programs are designed around this concept. Hint: if you or your club are interested in providing outreach to kids in your area, they’re in school. Go to the school and drop the STEM bomb a few times in conversation, and you will have immediate legitimacy. And, you can deliver. Go to our online resources and you’ll find a number of activities that will be a big hit with students, providing a fun way to engage them. Remember, we’re not in the business of raising astronauts. If a student becomes one, great. If they learn some simple math concepts, great. Don’t make the mistake of having uniform expectations of the students you reach out to, you’ll be disappointed.
One basic concept that I keep discussing and have no plan to stop is simply getting people to look up. Aviation in general is so common that it’s often ignored—the magic of things that fly and what makes them work.
Al is an instructor for the Pas River AMA club and the look on his student’s face is priceless. How many times have you put that same look on someone’s face?
We’ve just returned from the national convention of the Soaring Society of America. What a great bunch of aviation enthusiasts! We were amazed at their interest in model aviation for two reasons. Most of them became interested in flying through models and they simply couldn’t believe the tremendous development of model aircraft since they last looked. The Calypso/Radian type of powered glider is a perfect place for them to return to the hobby and I think many of them plan to.
Additionally, Arch Stafford joined us and we displayed and demonstrated the latest in quadcopters—each time it flew, a crowd gathered. Thanks to the support of Horizon Hobby, we were also able to have two smaller quads so not only did they get to see the big boy fly, the smaller platforms were a big hit as well. When Arch flew the big quad, I got to “fly” the camera.
Here’s one of the shots from the quad, taken just before the doors open, giving you a glimpse of what’s possible with that technology.
We also ran a drawing for a free sailplane from Horizon: the KA-8 ARF. As fate would have it, a young cadet with the Civil Air Patrol (our most productive partner) was the winner! Here’s Westin with his new airplane.
We’re all in the information-sharing business. Virtually all of you are asked about our hobby, and when you’re flying, chances are that other members are asking questions, learning from each other. I would suggest that a great opportunity for the formation of a “Learning Community” is your club. It doesn’t have to be formal, just fun.
The more adept you become at sharing information with each other, the easier it will be to discuss many of the same things with the general public and possibly a middle school science classroom. Remember where the kids are—in school.
Fly and have fun!
