You Can Fly: Helping schools teach aviation
Engaging STEM program rolled out for ninth-graders
Schools around the country have been invited to apply to use AOPA’s free, innovative, aviation-based, ninth-grade science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum to engage students and help build the future of aviation. The ninth-grade courses are the first of a four-year program that includes three career and technical education pathways—pilot, aerospace engineering, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Each fall, a new grade level of courses will be rolled out and available to schools for implementation until all four grade levels are complete.
Schools can decide to select individual courses to use as standalone electives or implement one or more complete pathways. The ninth-grade courses were tested in nearly 30 schools with more than 700 students over the past school year and include everything a teacher might need—and more. Thorough lesson plans, appealing presentations, assessments, fun student activities, and other learning opportunities are all included. The innovative program has proven to be an enlightening learning experience.
Students learn about aerodynamics and wind tunnels by making airfoils out of foam, aluminum, and glue; explore case studies to understand the adverse effects of weather, pilot fatigue, and lack of training; and debate who was first to attain powered flight—the Wright brothers or Gustave Albin Whitehead.
“This is a major step in our work to help young people learn more about the engaging and well-paying careers in aviation, and it gives schools the tools they need to teach our children skills that will last for a lifetime,” said Mark Baker, AOPA president.
The curriculum is aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Teachers who want to implement the program will be introduced to the concepts through a professional development workshop that supports them with either an on-site learning experience at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, June 26 to 28, or by connecting online during that time.
Email [email protected]
Applications to use the curriculum for the 2018-19 school year are now closed. Schools are welcome to apply again in the winter of 2019.
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