Aviation High School Facilitator Guide : Teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Through an Exciting Introduction to the Aviation Industry

This Aviation High School Facilitator Guide and corresponding interactive Student Notebook address a growing need for solid instruction, inquiry, and development of future-ready competencies and interest in aviation at the high school level. This guide delivers the resources for high school teachers to utilize science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction to provide an excellent introduction to aviation. The content promotes aviation as an innovative field and includes exploration of aviation as an industry, the study of the fundamentals of flight, and an introduction to the diverse career opportunities available within the industry.

The Facilitator Guide and accompanying online Instructor Resources include plans for research-based teaching of technical information, standards-based activities, assessments, and resources all designed to engage students’ different learning styles. Lessons are designed to be taught independently within any subject (science, technology, engineering, math, history, language arts) or used as a comprehensive aviation-themed curriculum for grades 9–12. The lesson plans incorporate engaging and interactive activities, including recommendations for using small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) and flight simulators to demonstrate and reinforce aeronautical knowledge and key flight concepts.

This guide covers 14 essential topics divided into chapters to engage the next generation of the aviation workforce:

• Aviation Training
• Aircraft Basics
• Airport Operations
• Aircraft Weight & Balance and Performance
• Aviation Communications
• People, Events, and Trends in Aviation
• Careers in Aviation
• Aerodynamics of Flight
• Aircraft Systems
• Flight Maneuvers
• Airspace
• Weather
• Aeromedical Factors
• Navigation and Flight Planning

Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards for Math and Language Arts, and North Dakota Aviation Content Standards.

Sarah K. Anderson is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Sarah has a PhD in Teacher Education with a cognate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Dakota, USA, in addition to a master’s degree in special education and an undergraduate degree in teaching secondary level social sciences. Sarah is a Fulbright Scholar to Norway (2011–2012). From 2012–2020, Sarah worked at Mayville State University in the role of associate professor and accreditation coordinator. As a teacher educator, she has instructed graduate and undergraduate pedagogical courses at the secondary level, taught courses in special education, advised capstone portfolios, and supervised clinical experiences. Her research interests include teacher appraisal for continual improvement, progress monitoring for response to intervention, high-impact practices, and effective instructional strategies.

Brittany D. Hagen, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Education and CAEP accreditation coordinator at Mayville State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education at Mayville State University, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Educational Technology. Dr. Hagen earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Teaching and Learning, both from the University of North Dakota. Dr. Hagen teaches courses on education methods, educational technology, and educational assessment. Additionally, she has developed both online and classroom curriculums for a variety of age groups, including teach-the-teacher programs and assessment data modules. Her research has focused on teacher preparation programs, reading curriculum, effective delivery and assessments, instructional design and techniques, as well as how adults can engage with children to further their educational goals.

Leslie M. Martin is an Associate Professor for the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Commercial Aviation and a Master of Science in Education. Professor Martin teaches a wide variety of courses from Private Pilot to Certified Instrument Flight Instructor ground school and is a flight instructor and check pilot for UND Flight Operations. She also works part-time at the Grand Forks Public School District teaching a high school course titled Aviation Technology I to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Professor Martin’s research interests include Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast, weather technology in the cockpit, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Paul R. Snyder is the Director of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program and Associate Professor in the Aviation Department at the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota (UND). Paul Snyder has recently taught Safety Management Systems (SMS), introduction and advanced UAS operations courses, and advanced flight instructor courses. Professor Snyder continues to be active in UAS research, UAS education, and UAS flight operations as the Director of the UND UAS Program, a Boeing Insitu OEM Certified ScanEagle UAS pilot, and Part 107 Remote Pilot Operator.
Mr. Snyder has more than 15 years’ experience as a Chief Flight Instructor as well as a FAA Designated Pilot conducting FAA practical tests in single and multi-engine aircraft for Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates and associated ratings. Professor Snyder holds a degree in Aeronautical Studies and Master of Science in Educational Leadership.