Are you a teacher who would like to incorporate flight into a school program or start a club? Did you know that the AMA has support programs for teachers who would like to do this?
This AMA site is specifically intended to help teachers do EXACTLY that. There are plans, instructional materials and more.
http://www.buildandfly.com/
While it might seem like this is something for a high school, or even a middle school, you can start introducing flight in elementary school and build it up over time.
For Example
4th grade FF Gliders
5th grade FF rubber power
6th grade RC Gliders
7th grade RC Electrics
By time they get to 7th grade they will be accomplished pilots. They will learn the nature of materials, construction techniques, aerodynamics, balance, forces and more. Add in art and design, physics, weather, maybe some computer CAD and you have a heck of a program.
( where do I sign up?)
The links below can all be found on the site above.
Powerpoint presentations ( links on above site)
http://www.mansfieldct.org/schools/.../hand/ALCOA.htm
Check to see if there is a local AMA club that would like to join up with you to help with the program.
Club locator ( links from above site)
http://www.ama-dist-8.org/Clubs/Loc...BuildandFly.com
When you get to RC, working with a buddy box, you can get almost anyone up on an RC plane. You have the instructor radio, they have the student radio connected and fully under your control. Take over at the flip of a switch. Easy to do and not expensive. One set up could be used by the whole class or club. Evenually the more advanced students could take on instructor roles.
There may even be an AMA club in your area that would like to help. If you get enough interest, you could start your own AMA chartered club at the school. This would include the insurance that your administration is sure to be concerned about.
Start with this. Third or fourth graders will love it!
Egg Carton Glider
I made this one. Flies great!
http://www.buildandfly.com/priceless.asp
Then this - Styro plate glider
http://www.buildandfly.com/FPG-9%20Index.asp
I am thinking about doing the same thing but for a middle and high school level. Not as a school teacher but as a member of a club working with a teacher at the school.
Think about it.
