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throughout the nation.
Internal Aerospace Education
The internal program is concerned with two
factors: (1) the Aerospace Education portion of CAP Cadet Programs, and
(2) Aerospace Education activities for the senior members of Civil Air
Patrol. Within Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education is accomplished
through self-study and instructional sessions using the textbook,
Aerospace: The Flight of Discovery and through aerospace current events
reports and activities during unit meetings. Cadets must pass
comprehensive aerospace education exams as they advance through each
award: Mitchell, Earhart, Eaker, and Spaatz.
For the senior membership, a voluntary self-study program is available
to those individuals who want to increase their understanding of
aerospace-related activities. This voluntary program is the Aerospace
Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM). The AEPSM is based on
study of the textbook, Aerospace: The Challenge, and use of the
accompanying study guide. When a senior member completes his or her
study of these materials, a comprehensive examination is administered.
Successful completion of the AEPSM earns the Brigadier General Charles
E. 'Chuck' Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award.
Senior members with an Aerospace Education avocation can fulfill their
staff and specialty service within CAP by becoming Aerospace Education
specialists. The Aerospace Education specialists support Cadet Programs,
Senior Programs, and external programs through various instructional
means.
External Aerospace Education
CAP's Aerospace Education membership is an exclusive category for
education professionals. A professional Aerospace Education staff
develops textbooks, lesson plans, and school curriculum in support of
its Aerospace Education members. In addition, CAP hosts a number of
workshops throughout the country, as well as the National Congress on
Aviation and Space Education.
CAP is extremely proud to help our nation's schools. Each year,
thousands of free educational products are distributed to teachers
across the nation. These products also are used to support other
educational activities such as teacher workshops, educational
conventions, conferences, air shows, and aviation days. Teachers may
order additional classroom support materials through a 48-page catalog.
Educational products can be ordered with a special discount for teachers
and shipped for delivery within 48 hours.
In addition, many of CAP's educational resources can be accessed on line
at www.capnhq.gov.
Developing and enhancing the educational skills of teachers is an
ongoing and significant portion of Civil Air Patrol's Aerospace
Education program. Each year, CAP promotes basic and advanced
graduate-level Aerospace Education workshops for hundreds of teachers.
Instructional modules prepare teachers to use aerospace themes and
techniques to teach science, mathematics, geography, history, social
science, art, literature and music. Civil Air Patrol sponsors field
trips to historic aviation sites, aerospace research laboratories, and
air and space facilities to augment these workshops. To complement the
workshops, orientation flights are often arranged with the U.S. Air
Force. These flights expose teachers to the challenges of aerospace
missions and help promote an understanding of the career opportunities
available in today's Air Force so they may better inform their students.
Each year, CAP hosts the National Congress on Aviation and Space
Education. The Congress is the premier Aerospace Education event in the
nation and is one of CAP's major contributions to aviation and space
progress in America. Teachers receive information and practical training
on how to more effectively motivate their students and prepare them for
an increasingly complex world.
One of the main purposes of the Congress is to generate an appreciation
and understanding of how aviation research and space exploration have
contributed to technological development in our society. Space is a
frontier that mankind has barely pierced, and CAP believes the
continuation of America's supremacy in this arena will require the
support of a well-informed and educated citizenry.
Presented annually since 1968, this educational symposium brings
together educators from around the nation to enjoy a diversity of gifted
speakers and motivational teachers. Aerospace-oriented hands-on/minds-on
classroom activities for all grade levels are offered in a variety of
break-out sessions. Educators enhance their careers and benefit their
students by exploring the latest tools, topics, and techniques in the
field of Aerospace Education.
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