In the 5th grade in Mesa Public Schools they do an aviation unit. The kids learn all kinds of things, among which is the basics of how to fly a plane. They spend months on this unit, and it culminates with a field trip to the flight center (and they all have to get 80% or better on the final exam, or they are not able to go on the field trip). I was lucky enough to be able to go on the field trip with Nathan and Joanna's class. Here are a couple photos. The kids had a blast!
They start out in the "sleds" on the ground, and the instructors walk around and make sure that the kids appear to know the basics.
And then they get to play on the toys. Joanna was first in the airplane simulator (above). It is a really cool little plane with lots of instruments and gadgets, and it actually turns and banks and moves around when they push on the stick or the pedals. They loved it. Nathan had a turn after Joanna (below)/.
Two people get in the helicopter simulator at a time. This little guy doesn't move around when they move the controls, but it's still fun. :)
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