Bob Underwood Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376
NewComers
Special Issue and Purpose
Well, it's that special-issue time again! This column has been galumping along for over a year now, and this month is the second special Model Aviation issue devoted to youth or newcomers.
We've tried to vary this column from month to month and aim at direct help for newcomers, as well as updates on the general educational scene. It's hard to tell how much impact any one element has had when a movement begins to gain momentum. It's sort of like trying to decide which drive wheel on the locomotive is making the most headway. But if sharing information is of any importance, then this locomotive wheel has provided some drive.
It has been a source of amazement to learn about the many programs that have existed — in some cases, for many years. Unfortunately, until a few months ago most of them received little publicity within the modeling community. That condition is being corrected. In this issue, we will list those groups who returned abstracts of the programs they have developed. In addition, we will relate some of the other activities occurring at this time.
Video and Interactive Events
A major educational modeling event occurred on March 12. The first video prepared by AMA through the Indiana Academy at Ball State University aired to some 31,000 youngsters throughout the United States. The presentation was in two parts and involved the use of the specially prepared video tied in with a live tour of the AMA Museum. Youngsters were able to call an 800 number and ask questions concerning the tape, the tour, and modeling in general. The segment lasted 50 minutes and was aired twice (AM and PM) to accommodate time zones.
That segment was followed by a 50-minute AMA Cub (Delta Dart) building session using an interactive TV setup incorporating a split screen. The youngsters and the instructor could monitor each other's activity. That program was limited to an Indiana school network. Tapes have been made of these activities and will be available through AMA.
Long Beach — Endless Horizons Trade Show
In January, the Endless Horizons trade show at Long Beach, California provided some excellent networking of educational activities.
One feature was a real live "hangar" built inside the show area. It contained display material and, more importantly, computer stations employing radio-control training programs for both fixed-wing and helicopter models.
This activity was handled by a talented RC instructor from Texas, John Pagan. John is a retired schoolteacher who travels across the U.S. teaching flying. He's known as The RC Barnstormer. He also presented programs from the show's stage.
A rapidly growing California high-school program, the 7-12 Model Aviation Youth Academy, maintained a booth promoting their activity. It was a very popular stopping place for young people and adults. This was especially true due to the great presentation given by Rocco Ferrario, a science teacher from Napa, California, who shared the booth with the 7-12 and its "dad," Charles Kelley and crew.
A third part of this mix was provided by the Airline Pilots Association. Working from a booth next to the 7-12, they provided information regarding a career as an airline pilot. Their uniforms, of course, provided a good focal point to stimulate dialogue.
At one point, all of these pieces of the educational puzzle joined forces on the convention stage. A feature of that presentation centered around teams of high-schoolers who were given a problem to solve in a competitive atmosphere. It got a little wild, but was really fun! The math problem centered around calculation for the size balsa spar needed to support a 747 — thank heaven we don't see them in use, 'cause there wouldn't be any balsa left for modelers!
I interacted with all of the groups and collected networking information. We've added a bundle of names to the list of interested parties and touched bases with quite a few educators, park departments, and clubs.
Science Teachers' Convention
A recent activity to mention was a presentation at the science teachers' convention in Indiana. Several thousand teachers from around the Midwest gathered in Indianapolis in February to consider new programs and materials.
Model Aviation Managing Editor Jim Haught and I presented one workshop. Our attempt, the first, centered around trying to show the potential uses of models in the classroom. Jim provided the fun part by flying a variety of models in the room (ten-foot ceiling!). I even conned him into building an AMA Cub in about 11 minutes (we cheated, using CA glue) while I talked. He then had the thrill of pulling it off the board and flying it without the benefit of being able to trim. It flew! By the third short flight, Jim had it circling back to him.
Observations and Outlook
These are just a few of the happenings. It's such a wonderful feeling to know of the educational buzz that's filling the modeling world. For years, groups like Midwest Products have labored to try and stimulate educational growth. While these groups have made an impact, the importance of the activities has never been widely disseminated. Now, through the increasing use of communication means, that is changing. Hopefully, AMA can help fill the coordination needs and provide a financial boost through the YES program. It's an exciting time!
Programs and Contacts
The following list provides information concerning existing programs. You are encouraged to contact these sources if you feel your club or group would like to work within your community.
- 7-12 Model Aviation Youth Academy: A highly developed credit course for high-schoolers. Lots of math and science. High interest level. Develops team concept. 7-12 MAYA c/o Charles Kelley, 151 Scott St., Long Beach, CA 90895.
- Model Building 101: Three-stage program for upper elementary, starting with a simple rubber-powered model. Video and materials available. MB 101, Inc., c/o J.J. Levine, 1891 Branchview Dr., Marietta, GA 30062.
- MMAC Youth Outreach Program: Several-stage program for upper elementary and Scout groups. Rubber-powered and beyond. Minneapolis Model Aero Club c/o Jim Laudis, 5544 Newton Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55419.
- School Flight Program: Third-grade one-hour program details how aircraft fly and history of flight. Flight demo can be incorporated. Westminster Aero Modelers c/o Raymond A. Miles, Jr., 6761 Marvin Ave., Sykesville, MD 21784.
- Aerolab: Semester-long series of 12–15 afterschool model-building sessions. Includes kites, paper airplanes, Delta Dart, and beyond. Northeastern Drone Society c/o Gordon Schimmel, 62 Charles Ln., Mansfield, CT 06268.
- Flying Physics: Projects for middle-school science. Incorporates sturdy rubber-powered "Sioux-Z-Q" school unit plans available. Rocco Ferrario, 2063 Lone Oak Ave., Napa, CA 94558.
- Midwest Products Company, Inc.: Highly structured model-building program with teaching guides and materials available. Programs available for various age levels. Midwest Products Company, Inc., c/o Frank Garcher, Box 564, Hobart, IN 46342.
- EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc.: Programs designed to interest youth in full-scale aircraft. Range from Young Eagles programs to summer youth camps. EAA Aviation Center c/o Chuck Larsen, Box 3065, Oshkosh, WI 54903.
- Technology Student Association: Nationwide student group that incorporates a model-building project. Contact person listed below is currently serving as modeling advisor. Tom Sanders, 9 Kern Dr., Perkasie, PA 18944.
- 4-H Aerospace Design: Extremely comprehensive program under development. Will include all phases of aerospace interest for K–12. Model building is a part. University of Minnesota Center for 4-H Youth Development c/o Judy Rice, 340 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.
AMA Involvement and Youth Funding
For AMA involvement in programs and youth funding, contact Bob Underwood, Box 40, St. Peters, MO 63376. Phone: (314) 447-4235.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
