I am a high school science teacher in a rural district in the Adirondacks of NY. Last year I was told that I would teach an alternative science course to students who typically struggle in science classes for a variety of reasons. The principal said the course would consist of two half-year courses and that the topics could be of my choosing, whatever I wanted. My immediate response was alternative energy technologies and aviation science. He said O.K. We're nearing the end of the alternative science course and will be moving into aviation science in January.

Does anyone here know of a high school in their region that teaches an aviation science based course that is non-engineering in focus? I'd appreciate any input that anyone has whether as direct contacts, info on similar course outlines or what topics you would want included if you were to be a student in the course. Right now I'm considering using either the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge or the Airplane Flying Handbook as references for the course. I'd be pleased if the course led some young people into a career in aviation either as a pilot or in maintenance. PMs are fine if you prefer.

Thanks in advance.

A happy holiday season to all.

Frank

AOPA is doing some pretty neat things. Lots of resources.
https://youcanfly.aopa.org/high-school/ ... curriculum

The FAA books are good sources of info, however I don't know if I'd base a curriculum on them. They are very much a government publication and not really geared towards bringing kids into aviation. I'd look more towards some of the commercial prep packages.

If you can get the kids into some Young Eagles flights, Sporty's will give them all the ground school app for free. Our chapter sometimes will do a rally just for a particular set of kids, so you may just need to work with your local group on that. It's also possible that a call to Sporty's directly will yield results, but I strongly advocate YE flights for a lot of reasons. I have flown over 40 kids this year and about half were high school age, several of which indicated they want to learn to fly after that 20-ish minute turn at the controls.

I'd look strongly to practical hands on stuff here. YE being one, but also maybe a trip to flight sims (or even bringing in some PC-based ones). See if a local mechanic will let you bring the group into his shop and explain how airplanes actually work. Run them through an engine. Maybe an EAA builder will even let them mash some rivets. Augment the classroom side with real world examples and experience and I think you will inspire a lot of kids.

I'm even thinking of turning my run out O-470 into a moving cutaway example for this exact purpose just to provoke some interest in younger minds. Not sure where I'd put it yet, but I know of an aviation education center being built nearby that intends to work with high schools, so that's one option.

I agree with colopilot about the not conducive to learning government material. I had a similar class at Tohatchi High. The prep for the written was not as popular as putting fabric on Tri-Pacer tail feathers. The yearly trips of my Freshmen English squad leaders was highly successful. That was because most were female and Navajo is a matrilineal, matrilocal culture. The girls who helped me teach 36 student average classes were accepted by the class and loved by the controllers. They were tough characters.

This is part of the Highline School District in Seattle. The school is physically located in the Boeing/Boeing Field, Museum of Flight complex.

I think all the contacts and other info is included in the website.

https://www.highlineschools.org/Page/53

Cheers,

Tom

Sisters, Oregon (6K5) High School as an active Flight Science program. Would probably be a good resource for you.

Google it

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... ity-effort

I’m currently teaching an Aviation 101 Private Pilot course to Jr. and Sr. at a public charter school and would be willing share some ideas. Much of what we are doing can be found here on our website:
https://sjvaaviation.com

I’ve also been to the last 2 of 3 AOPA High Symposiums and learned a lot about the quality curriculum they producing for free to schools.

I can provide you contact info to the director of that program if you like.

I'm part of a group that teaches aviation science in 5 schools as a afternoon STEM program. Here is some info. PM me if you would like more info.
http://wmawf.org/

I tip my hat at your efforts, may they bring many rewards to you and your students.

It would be so nice to live in an area that is trying to reach students that are very bright but learn in a manner that is not "normal"

My son is a very talented person, however, he does not learn well in the types of educational environments that we have defaulted too. That is, for example, here fill out these work sheets on cell biology and we will have a test. Now for clarification I am a microbiologist and I understand the intricacies of the cell. I came back to education after being a mechanic for an extended time frame. I as my son are kinesthetic learners. His teacher even said to him I know you learn "out of the box" but I do not have time to teach you and the others, a cop out for sure. He has come to the point of hating school which hurts to my core, But I digress.

There are no shop programs here to speak of for high school kids, we sold off all the table saws, welders, body tools etc. to buy the first round of computers which lasted what, a few year?

My son is 16 and we are currently building our 3 engine together, he had done all the work with me consulting with him. We need to allow education and a route so these people can be successful now and in the future. There is an excellent book on this; Shop Class As Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work by Matthew Crawford.

By the way, I am on the school board and have been actively promoting and pushing for expansion of art, music and shop for our school district for a decade, we are doing better, but if I left it would be back to football and let the other kids be left behind.

I really appreciate all the replies. I should have mentioned in my initial post that I have a PPL and a '56 C172 that my wife and I got to fly from the Adirondacks in NY to KSMO, up the coast to Twin Oaks in Oregon where we met Zane, to Johnson Creek and then back to the Adirondacks (0NY0) this past summer. I definitely look forward to some hands on, according to ForeFlight, 4B6 is less than 3 miles from my school.

I'll check with the local EAA to find out about Young Eagles flights and contact Sportys to see what's possible. I'll also take advantage of the PM offers.

I'm pretty excited to have the opportunity to teach this course.

Thanks again for your help and Happy Holidays to all.

Frank

West Michigan Aviation Academy

Its next to the Grand Rapids airport, GRR.

I have two sons that are currently attending here. Its an aviation/engineering high school. Every year they have a group of students that graduate with their Private Pilot License. Its an excellent school with highly qualified teachers. They currently own two 172's, one of which Delta Airlines donated to the school. My boys love it!

http://www.westmichiganaviation.org

A new article from AOPA on their free curriculum.

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... curriculum

I’ve talked a bit to AOPA about their curriculum. Seems well organized and that’s where I’d go.

MTV

I teach a high school aviation course -- I'd second all the comments regarding the AOPA curriculum. I haven't used it personally, but everything I see/hear about it is great.

Also - check out the GAMA Build-A-Plane contest. They provide free curriculum for about a month's worth of classes, and it really is outstanding material.

Last: talk to as many people who have done it as possible. There is a huge amount of experience and wisdom out there. Don't reinvent the wheel

Best!
Dave