They also tap the Internet to make reservations, conduct airfoil experiments using a specially de-signed wind tunnel and experience virtual flight using a cockpit simulator. It's still academic Despite the fun gadgets that students use in these programs, it's still school and there's academic work to be done. But a number of schools weave the aeronautic theme into academics to keep students interested and to show them how academics apply to work. Wooddale High School in Memphis, Tenn., which participates in a NASA-sponsored program called Aviation Academy 2000, has a curriculum that uses aeronautics to boost students interest in English, math, science, engineering and technology. For example, freshmen in aviation honors English read poems about aviation in addition to the traditional readings of Romeo and Juliet and The Odyssey.
Students also keep journals and have other assignments related to their experiences on field trips.
This demonstrates students' research, technical and writing abilities. Delta's academy also stresses academics, Moss says. Mentoring also is important in Delta's program. Other aviation schools, like those of Philadelphia High School Academies Inc., which runs aviation and aerospace academies at two high schools in the city, also ensure links between students and workers from various jobs in the field.