The Development and Implementation of a Flight Simulation Based Environment for Teaching Math & Science
Abstract: This paper presents the development and implementation of an active-learning approach to the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science concepts for 9-12 grades using flight simulation. The approach uses commercial off the shelf (COTS) software and hardware to support the learning. Lesson plans have been developed to teach various Math & Science concepts supported by specially designed flights. The flight parameter data from the flights are used by the students to answer questions based on the concepts taught in the class. The lesson plans were developed with input from the local school district teachers where the approach is planned for implementation in the classroom during the 2012-2013 academic year. Teachers’ responses to the approach have been positive as assessed through surveys during summer workshops in which the approach was introduced. Statistically significant improvement on math concepts taught using this approach was also observed in students attending a summer experience in which the approach was used. The work is funded by the NSF ITEST grant.