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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39378","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Flight Adventures"}}]]On February 25, the museum is launching (pun intended) a new experience called Curious Scientific Investigators: Flight Adventures. It’s not an exhibit, but more a series of experiences, programs, and a new multimedia show that teach children and families about flight. We’ve been thrilled to work with some great partners on this project including The Academy of Model Aeronautics that, believe or not, lives right down the road in Muncie, IN. When it comes to model aircraft, these are your guys and gals! This week’s guest blogger is Bill Pritchett from the AMA to tell you more about their organization and how they’re helping with this project.
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39379","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Flight Adventures"}}]]By Bill Pritchett, Director of Education at the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Before planes and space shuttles, there was aeromodeling, or the making of model aircrafts to test ideas and principles of flight. All the way back in the 1800s the father of the Wright brothers gave them a rubber-powered model aircraft, and less than 100 years later man walked on the moon! Aeromodeling is a truly significant component of actual flight. Plus, it provides learning, excitement and, most importantly, fun for its many followers.
We’re not just talking about paper airplanes here! Aeromodeling includes everything from Free Flight (FF) models, such as Hand Launched Gliders or Catapult Launched Gliders (now that sounds cool!), and also includes any powered aircraft (rubber band, electric, or gas) and radio-controlled flight, and the AMA has activities for all of these! (Check out this video to see a professional remote control pilot and AMA member flying his plane at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis!)
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39380","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":""}}]]AMA has been a proud participant in a significant NASA grant with The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. CSI: Flight Adventures has developed some amazing opportunities for kids to be introduced to aeromodeling, the educational aspects of model aviation, and having fun while they learn.
This program promotes and supports aviation as an educational tool to educators and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) qualities of flight. Flight Adventures is just the beginning. The partnership between the museum, NASA and AMA also begins a collective journey to a more comprehensive understanding of building and flying all types of model aircraft for America’s youth.
If your kids are interested in getting started with the AMA, visit our website!
