Exploring Space: The High Frontier (2nd Edition)

Aerospace Science 300: Frontier Second Edition is typically the third/fourth-year science course in the high school sequence of Aerospace Science courses for the Air Force Junior ROTC. This course has been completely rewritten to include the latest information and teaching philosophies, incorporating 21st‐century learning strategies. This new course provides students with the latest information on exploring space and an introduction to cybersecurity and technology. The textbook will begin with early astronomy and the basic interest in the universe from the Greeks through the Renaissance and Enlightenment ages. Students will be provided an in-depth view of the solar system, including Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and planets. The text also discusses the history of space travel and more modern space probes and robotics. Students will examine the effects of space on the human body. The text also investigates the history of rockets, launch vehicles, and the coordinated systems required for a successful launch into space. Finally, the text will offer a cybersecurity chapter that outlines the importance of cybersecurity in space and in daily life.

Course Outcomes:
1. Explain the history of astronomy throughout time.
2. Analyze the various elements of the solar system.
3. Investigate the components of space exploration and the current strategic plan for space exploration.
4. Analyze past space programs and the effect of space on the human body.
5. Examine the history of space exploration and the future of space travel.
6. Discuss the role of space probes and robotics in space exploration.
7. Evaluate the science and technology required for space travel.
8. Analyze the concept of cyber security and methods for staying safe online.

Life Skills and Career Opportunities

Life Skills and Career Opportunities, provides an essential component of leadership education for today’s high school students. This course it is designed to prepare students for life after high school in the high-tech, globally oriented, and diverse workplace of the 21st century. Students will learn how to become a more confident financial planner and to save, invest, and spend money wisely, as well as how to avoid the credit trap. They will learn about real-life issues such as understanding contracts, leases, warranties, legal notices, personal bills, practical and money-saving strategies for grocery shopping, apartment selection, and life with roommates. The Holland Interest Inventory and other self-assessments will help them to reveal their attitudes, aptitudes, and personal skills. This self-understanding will allow them to explore career paths and understand requirements that they will need to be successful at work and in life. To help students increase their potential for success through education, they will learn how to select a school that is right for them; how to apply for admission to a vocational or technical school, community college, or college/university; and how to succeed in these learning environments. Information is provided on how to conduct the job search for students who wish to enter the workforce right after high school or after additional education and training. They will learn how to prepare a winning résumé, and how to develop effective interviewing skills. Students will become more skilled at using the Internet for career research and learn how to network safely using social media. The text also provides information on working for the federal government to include careers in the military, aerospace industry, and public service. Finally, students will consider the most important elements of life skills for all Americans: civic responsibilities, such as volunteering, registering to vote, jury duty, and draft registration.

 Course Outcomes:

1.  Analyze the elements of successful financial management skills.

2.  Create a plan to safeguard personal resources.

3.  Analyze the different ways of pursuing a career path.

4.  Analyze the requirements for applying to a college or university.

5.  Analyze positive and negative impact of college life in meeting career goals.

6.  Evaluate the essential process for successfully pursuing desired career or job.

7.  Evaluate the benefits of working for the Federal Government.

8.  Create a plan for successful career development.

Wellness Program

The course objective for the Wellness Program is to:

Motivate cadets to lead active, healthy lifestyles beyond program requirements and into their adult lives.

 The goals of the Wellness Program are to:

1.  Create an individualized training program based on national standards by age and gender.

2.  Identify areas of improvements for each cadet and provide guidance for improvement.

3.  Incorporate a physical training program to reach fitness goals.

The President’s Fitness Challenge

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans on October 7, 2008. The comprehensive, science-based guidelines were developed to inform policymakers and health providers about the amounts, types, and intensity of physical activity needed to help Americans aged 6 and older, and of all abilities, improve their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases. Regular physical activity in adolescents promotes health and fitness. Compared to those who are inactive, physically active youth have higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and stronger muscles. Their bones are stronger, and they may have reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Youth who are regularly active also have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. They also typically have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI). With higher BMI’s, an increased risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers may develop. Adolescents don't usually develop chronic diseases; however, risk factors for these diseases can begin to develop early in life. Regular physical activity makes it less likely that these risk factors will develop and more likely that adolescents will remain healthy as adults.

Wellness Program Exercises

This program is comprised of 19 exercises which can be conducted with minimal space and with minimal climate dependency (e.g., the 1-mile run). The exercises develop all muscle groups and provide sufficient anaerobic and aerobic intensity. They require no equipment and use only body weight and common objects (e.g., chairs).

The 19 exercises are:

1.  V-Sit Reach

2.  Lunges

3.  Bent-Knee Push-ups

4.  Arm Extended Lunges

5.  Feet Elevated Push-ups

6.  Reverse Extended Lunges

7.  Hindu Push-ups

8.  Mountain Climbers

9.  Plank

10. Hindu Squats

11. Left Arm and Right Arm Planks

12. Body Builders

13. Sit-Ups

14. Squat Leaps

15. Extended Side Push-ups

16. Side Lateral Jumps

17. Flutter Kicks

18. One-Mile Run

19. Push-ups

A typical exercise class may go as follows:

1. Warm-up/Stretch

2. Pick 6 or more exercises to perform depending on time

3. Ensure proper form and technique

4. Students will strive to complete the number of repetitions indicated on their personal workout plan

5. Cool/down/Stretch