Learning takes flight for Ms. Jennifer Harris’s 6th-grade STEM class at Corner Middle School as they embarked on an exciting and educational journey to the Southern Museum of Flight and the 117th Air Refueling Wing. This remarkable field trip provided students with the unique opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of aeronautics to the real world. In a day filled with hands-on experiences and insightful discussions with aviation experts, these young minds explored the fascinating world of flight and its many facets.
In preparation for this exceptional field trip, Ms. Harris’s students spent a month delving into the intricacies of aeronautics. They explored various aspects of flight, including aerodynamics, the history of aviation, the forces of flight, and more. From learning about Bernoulli’s Principle to comprehending Newton’s Laws of Motion, the students gained a solid theoretical foundation in aviation science.
The field trip to the Southern Museum of Flight and the 117th Air Refueling Wing was the culmination of their month-long journey into the world of aviation. It provided students with the opportunity to witness their classroom knowledge in action. The day’s activities included:
- Flight Briefing: Students attended a comprehensive flight briefing, learning about the intricacies of air refueling and the roles of the flight crew.
- Interactions with Experts: Students had the chance to chat with pilots, boom operators, and crew chiefs, gaining insights into the life and responsibilities of aviation professionals.
- Base Tour: The students were given a tour of the 117th Air Refueling Wing base, providing them with a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of a military aviation unit.
- KC 135 Air Refueling Planes: The highlight of the trip was an up-close look at the impressive KC-135 air refueling planes, offering students a tangible understanding of the aircraft they had studied in class.
- Virtual Simulator: To top it off, students had the unique opportunity to try their hand at air refueling in the base’s virtual simulator, putting their theoretical knowledge to the test in a practical, engaging manner.
This field trip was more than just a fun outing; it was an opportunity for students to put their classroom learning to the test. They were able to connect the dots between the theories they had learned and the real-world applications of those principles, fostering a deeper and more practical understanding of aeronautics.
The experience at the Southern Museum of Flight and the 117th Air Refueling Wing was more than a field trip; it was a source of inspiration. By engaging with aviation professionals and experiencing the marvels of flight firsthand, these young minds may have ignited a passion for aviation and STEM-related fields. The visit not only expanded their horizons but also encouraged them to dream of careers in aviation and aerospace.
