JULY 2005 DISTRICT 1 REPORT:
Andy Argenio, District I Vice President

THE ACADEMY of Model Aeronautics’ mission statement describes its members as a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promoting, developing, educating, and advancing modeling activities. We have within District I talented, knowledgeable AMA members whose diverse backgrounds in education, business, science, and aviation are our most valuable resource for achieving the AMA mission objectives.

In this column are examples of how hands-on, inquiry-based experiences in aeromodeling activities are being used as educational tools to engage, motivate, inspire, and ultimately teach students math, science, technology, and skills for achieving goals in life.

As an RC specialty hobby-store owner and engineer, I often work with educators and schools to supply products for science and technology programs. I asked Don Stanford and Edd Spidell, my longtime friends, customers, and fellow members of the South County RC Club in Exeter, Rhode Island, to relate some of their aeromodeling educational activities.

I look up to each of these men because they have reached the highest levels of success in their professional lives while still providing time to give of themselves to benefit and help others. Don and Edd often bring students to our store and flying sites to experience the challenge of building and flying model airplanes.

Don Stanford is an alumnus of Brown University and Adjunct Professor of computer science. He is recently retired as vice president of GTECH Corporation. He is president of the board of the Times² Academy Charter School, which promotes excellence in math, science, and technology. Don submitted the following write-up and photos from a recent educational activity.

Students from St Leo’s Academy in RhodeIsland examine the construction of an RC Whiplash airplane.

“On April 28, 2005, I gave a talk to the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders of St. Leo’s Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The broad subject of the talk was about personal responsibility, the value of education, and the importance of setting personal goals in life.

By way of illustration, I discussed how several of my hobbies—including RC—had helped me achieve certain goals in my professional IT career.

“I brought an ACM Whiplash high-speed RC airplane to the discussion and showed the students how many different technologies were incorporated into the design and construction of the aircraft in order to demonstrate all the different opportunities for learning that exist in a single aircraft. In summary, I delivered a message that hobbies such as RC make learning fun and worthwhile at the same time.

“Today’s youth is the future of our hobby and it is imperative that we reach out to them in a proactive way to engage them.”

Edd Spidell is an electrical and mechanical engineer employed by the Cranston Area Career & Technical Center in Rhode Island. He develops programs, acquires grants and support, and teaches pre-engineering/robotics and automated systems.

The popularity of Edd’s programs extends far beyond the students. Everyone from the commissioner of education down feels that the programs present an excellent model of applied technology through the use of math, science, and physics principles. Edd submitted the following write-up and photos.

“I would like to introduce myself to the AMA membership at large. My name is Edd Spidell, and I am acting as the AMA Educational Coordinator for District I. As an engineer and a teacher, I find that the application of technology within our hobby as a teaching tool is unparalleled.

“Students of all ages and grade levels can be taught basic math and science principles that are part of applied technology that they can see, feel, and fly. My students know that I approach these as lifelong learning skills, as we say in the educational context. It is one thing to describe by formula Ohm’s Law, yet another to use a power analyzer and Excel to predict an in-flight motor/battery duration.

“Our hobby gives me the ability to improve my students’ critical thinking (problem-solving) skills, and teamwork skills through the hands-on application of science and technology. In my senior class of 2005, four students have chosen aeronautical engineering as majors, and one will be a pilot-qualified cadet at the United States Air Force Academy.

“If you are interested in increasing public awareness and membership in the AMA through education, please contact me at the District I E-mail address. I will welcome your ideas and suggestions. Happy flying!”

Students construct EP foam trainers in school.

This focus on education is best ended with a quote from William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”.