HHCA 8th-grade Science mentor and former NASA educator Michelle Judd recently immersed her students in an exciting Project Lead the Way (PLTW) study combining aviation and space science. The "Flight Planning" project aligned real-life physical science applications with her classroom lessons.  

Students explored various aviation and space-related topics throughout the project and enjoyed several hands-on learning opportunities. They used aerodynamics to learn about the engineering design process and then designed, built, tested, redesigned, and retested aircraft - several times over! Students also learned about the composition and chemistry of our atmosphere to better understand how airplanes use airfoils to fly. In addition, students calculated speed, distance, and time to learn about aircraft performance, maps, fuel range, and more. 

The culmination of their aviation + space study was a guided, in-depth tour of the Hilton Head Airport, including the control center, by aviation experts. They got a first-hand look inside airplane and helicopter cockpits and learned from pilots, maintenance crew, airport managers, and airport firefighters. Students interacted with experts and agencies, including the Civil Air Patrol, LifeStar Air Ambulance, the U.S. Coast Guard, and more.

Our aviation/space study is a highlight of 8th-grade Science that students enjoy and remember. Our behind-the-scenes airport tour offers them a great opportunity to learn more about aviation science and aviation/space industry careers. These 8th Graders are part of the generation that will become the engineers, scientists, and astronauts that go to Mars!

- Michelle Judd, 8th Grade Science Mentor

Students in Mrs. Judd's class enjoyed this deep-dive into aviation and space science and are excited about upcoming lessons in the spring semester!