District I
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Educational outreach is a wonderful way to expand the hobby beyond the “hobbyists,” influence community members, and inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STE[A]M) innovators through aeromodeling. Associate Vice President (AVP) Daren Hudson describes how we are pursuing this educational outreach in the following report:
Academy is our organization’s first name, and education is in our DNA. Reaching out with open minds and out-of-the-box thinking provides numerous opportunities to maximize success for educators, students, and newcomers to this versatile STE(A)M educational tool.
Typical hurdles include creating easy access for teachers (often non-modelers) to varied and flexible methods and curricula to accomplish goals within their limited time frames and needs. Teacher training for basic knowledge and skill-sets to use with students while being mentored by AMA members and clubs is one technique.
AMA instructors or mentors facilitating basic
training on smaller, electric trainer aircraft with buddy boxes, SAFE technologies, and simulators work best. The AMA Safety Code and guidelines should be incorporated, but should be centered around classroom, indoor, and schoolyard-size venues. When teachers reach basic instructor levels, the AMA instructors might transition to mentor roles and supporting programs.
By reaching out to your district volunteer leaders and the AMA Education department, you will find support and numerous resources. A great ice-breaker video is Total Control, using the Foam Plate Glider 9, along with other tools that can assist educators.
The key is understanding the teachers’ perspectives and adapting to their challenges, while including flexible uses of AMA safety and educational programming and your own brainstorming, is to utilize all types and disciplines of aeromodeling to hook the interest of the students.
On the subject of flexibility and various types and disciplines, enter Drone Soccer! It’s an interesting possibility and one of AMA’s newest SIGs. The concept is designed to culminate with teams and competition. District I is actively pursuing the acquisition of a “demo bundle” to introduce this fun, exciting option as an additional arrow in an educator’s quiver of STE(A)M tools.
To maximize opportunities for success, remember to remain flexible, think outside of the box, think from the teacher’s and student’s perspective, and always make it fun!
Your AMA District I leadership, AMA’s Education department, and AMA Flight School are all here to help you reach out. Enjoy and good luck.
Thank you, Daren, for this report, for heading up the STE(A)M efforts in District I, as well as participating in AMA’s national educational initiatives.
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield, RI 02917
(401) 231-6901
www.amadistrict-i.org
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com
Andrew Figlar, Shelton CT; (203) 513-8546; safiglar32@gmail.com
James Gilliatti, Concord MA; (978) 369-9796; jegilliatti@acs.com
Steve Goler, Salem MA; (617) 373-0884; nipmuck2@comcast.net
Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; uth7@comcast.net
Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplambonte@aol.com
Tom Lavoie, N. Smithfield RI; (401) 824-6134; d2tw4all@yahoo.com
Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; jliska9000@sbcglobal.net
Mark Montella, Falmouth, MA; (508) 457-4984; montellamj@comcast.net
Thomas J. Puma Jr., North Clarendon VT; (802) 558-4439; usakingcat1@aol.com
Tom Rocheleau, Wethersfield CT; (860) 280-1701; trocheleau@cox.net
Tom Siwek, Shrewsbury MA; (617) 893-5249; trsiwek@gmail.com
William Unghire, Newington CT; (860) 978-5353; n1cnv@icloud.com
Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net
TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY OFFICER
John Yassemedis, 5 Quarry Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 321-8442; jyassemedis@comcast.net
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATOR
David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd., Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net
