Overview
This unit is about studying some of the major historical events regarding aviation and then exploring how they had an effect on a local level. For example, Charles Lindbergh crossing the Atlantic, the Japanese surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, the dropping of the atomic bomb and Neil Armstrong becoming the first man to step on the moon were all major events that served to change the world forever. Students will learn about these events and the ripple effects each had. When teaching the course, if one of the selected events does not appear to have had a major influence on your community then I encourage at least some research before disregarding. I am frequently amazed at how major events find a way to influence even the smallest of communities. Additionally, this unit will provide examples on how to get students connected to historical events. Therefore, if there is an event that is not listed here you will learn ways to share that history with your students.
I am a retired military officer who now serves as an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Instructor at POLYTECH High School in the small state of Delaware. The high school was founded as a traditional VOTECH public school in 1993 but has evolved into a comprehensive school that still offers a traditional VOTECH experience. It is located just miles from Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) which is important to note for later application.
During my 26 years of serving in the military I was always around airplanes. I am a career military pilot with experience operating several types of aircraft in the Navy and in the Air Force. I have flown aircraft all over the world during peace and during conflict. The only continent I have not flown an airplane in is Antartica and I am comfortable with missing that lovely location. Needless to say, my experience with airplanes is very diverse. Consequently I am passionate about the role of aviation and its influence on history. The power of aviation is far reaching. So the opportunity to lead a unit that teaches the impact aviation had upon history on a global level and a local level is something I am passionate about. This lesson will help students better understand local history while embracing the core mission of AFJROTC - to create better citizens. My students, and your students, will be more aware of the world around them and the community they live in. It is not meant to teach students about airplanes in preparation for a life in the military. The majority of my AFJROTC cadets never enter a career in the military, but they all enter the world we live. A better appreciation of how to look at the history all around them makes them better prepared for the mission of citizen.
With that said, my background in aviation should not deter anyone who has not flown a plane, or even been in a plane, from teaching the awesome power of aviation and its impact on history. If you have an interest in aviation and how it impacted history you will enjoy this lesson. If you can show you care about the topic then your students will follow. I believe the only requirements a teacher should possess when teaching this history class are the trait’s that all teacher’s should display - care, motivation and fun. History is difficult to teach because it is often difficult to relate to. Don’t make it harder by forgetting to have fun. In the end this focus will serve as a foundation of success that will help you get over the hump of getting students to relate to the historical moments of the past.
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