AEROSPACE EDUCATION 
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Remember the excitement of the moon landing and man's first walk on the moon? Or more recently the sharing of information and technology between the United States and Russian astronauts in space? America's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and continues unabated to this day. CAP's aerospace education (AE) efforts focus on two different audiences: volunteer CAP members and the general public such as teachers, school administrators, and other interested individuals. The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. To advance within the organization, members are required to participate in the educational program. Aerospace educators at CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., provide current materials that reflect the highest standards of educational excellence. Aerospace education is divided into two parts: internal and external. CAP's INTERNAL AEROSPACE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS has two parts as well: cadet and senior. The program designed for members follows a definite plan of participation and progression and is known as Internal Aerospace Education. It provides members with a general knowledge of all aerospace activities and their impact on our society. Activities of the internal program include guest lecturers that are specialists in some phase of aerospace activity, visits to aerospace installations, participation in applied aerospace science activities, and practical experience with aerospace equipment such as aircraft. Cadets complete aerospace education as one of the requirements to progress through the achievement levels of the cadet program. Senior members have the responsibility to become knowledgeable of aerospace issues and the aerospace education program that CAP provides. They are further encouraged to share the information obtained with their local communities and school systems. CAP's EXTERNAL AEROSPACE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS are conducted through our nation's educational system. External Aerospace Education covers all other types of aerospace education activities. Each year, CAP sponsors more than 200 workshops in colleges and universities across our nation, reaching more then 5,000 educators and thereby hundreds of thousands of young people. They prepare teachers to teach aerospace-related subjects in their classrooms. These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology. CAP's aerospace education members receive more than 33 free teaching aids: textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids, as well as lesson plans and other classroom materials. In addition, CAP hosts the premier aerospace education conference each year, the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, attracting hundred of educators from across the country. Aerospace education for the general public is provided through exhibits and demonstration, and cooperative programs with local organizations and businesses, all of which are conducted as a public service. Along with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Civil Air Patrol cosponsors the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) which is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education throughout the nation. |