The external AE program presents aerospace education to the public. This is accomplished through academic programs within the education system as well as other contacts between CAP members and their communities. This includes: Aerospace Education Membership (AEM), Aerospace Education Workshops (AEWs), AE in the local schools and other community organizations, AE materials, and AE organizations and agencies.
AEROSPACE EDUCATION MEMBERSHIP (AEM)
This is a special category of Civil Air Patrol membership. It is open to any reputable individual or organization that has an interest in supporting CAP’s Aerospace Education Program.
Individuals and organizations must meet membership criteria. These criteria are found on the AEM application. AEMs
receive a CAP membership card, AEM certificate, AEM Lapel pin, CAP monthly newspaper, AEM Newsletters, free educational products developed especially for AEMs, plus many other benefits. AEMs are not authorized to wear CAP uniform, hold CAP grade, or participate in the senior member program. Special permission is required for flights in CAP aircraft.
Membership is for one year. Membership must be approved by the CAP Executive Director or his designee. An AEM may transfer to a regular CAP membership. Aerospace Education Membership is $35 per year. Undergraduate college or university students may join for $15 per year. Organizational Aerospace Education Membership is $30 per year. Application forms are on on the CAP website: http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5533. Completed forms and payment or payment information are sent to Aerospace Education Membership at NHQ. The application must be completely filled out and signed.
NATIONAL CONGRESS ON AVIATION AND SPACE EDUCATION (NCASE)
NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference in the nation. This annual event is sponsored by Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force. The National Congress promotes an understanding of aviation and space education. It motivates educators to incorporate AE concepts into their curricula. Educators of all grade levels and subjects are encouraged to attend. CAP members are encouraged to promote and to attend NCASE. The location of the NCASE changes each year. Participants attend national standards-based, hands-on sessions presented by leading aerospace educators
AEX PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS
Participating classroom teachers must be current Aerospace Education Members of CAP. Teachers can select from two age- appropriate activity books, AEX I (K-5) or AEX II (6-12) (AEX II is the same book that is used with Squadron AEX Award Program).
Six activities must be completed by April 30th of the current school year.
AE SUPPORT MATERIALS FOR SCHOOLS
The following AE support materials are available from CAP NHQ:
Preschool / Early Childhood Learners
Four-in-One Activity Books
Elementary Grades
Activity Booklets
Fun in Flight
Drawing Lessons from Aerospace History (Dot- to-Dot)
Middle Grades / Junior High
Thematic Unit Resource Packets
General Curriculum Aids
Poster Sets
Bibliography and Resource Listing
Index of Related Topics
AEROSPACE EDUCATION WORKSHOPS - EXTERNAL
These workshops provide training for educators, local community and CAP members. These workshops provide support for teacher education programs and networking opportunities. See CAPP 15 for more information regarding
AE Workshops - External.
CAP NHQ AEROSPACE EDUCATION WEBSITE AND LINKS
Go to: http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5176 to find additional information on:
Tools and resources
Aerospace Education classroom materials
Newsletters
Grant and Award information
CAP’s AEROSPACE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR SCHOOLS: