A Gateway to New Horizons

The Science of Flight: A Gateway to New Horizons is an introductory course and customized textbook that focuses on how airplanes fly, how weather conditions affect flight, flight and the human body, and flight navigation. The course is designed to complement materials taught in math, physics, and other science-related courses and is aligned with the National Science Education Standards, the Math Standards and Expectations, and ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students.

The course outcomes are:

1.  Analyze the elements of flight.

2.  Evaluate how atmospheric conditions affect flight.

3.  Evaluate how flight affects the human body.

4. Analyze flight navigation and the purpose of aerial navigation aids.

Communication, Awareness, and Leadership

 This course stresses communications skills and cadet corps activities. Much information is provided on communicating effectively, understanding groups and teams, preparing for leadership, solving conflicts and problems, and personal development. Written reports and speeches compliment the academic materials. Cadet corps activities include holding positions of greater responsibility in the planning and execution of corps projects.

 The course objectives are:

After successfully completing the Communication, Awareness, and Leadership course the student will:

1.  Apply the key factors of effective communications.

2.  Know the ways in which personal awareness affects individual actions.

3.  Know the key elements of building and encouraging effective teams.

4.  Apply the key behaviors for becoming a credible and competent leader.

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 cardio respiratory 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