Math and science are taking flight

Model airplane enthusiast Ray English will donate the use of several of his planes for the Aviation Education Community Event on Saturday at the Carson City Airport.

"I see all these kids hanging around with nothing to do," he said. "This will kids something constructive to do. They can learn a craft that can carry them through life."

During the community event, participants will see and fly more than 200 radio-controlled aircraft and watch them do trick maneuvers. They will also learn the principles of flight and be able to build their own model airplane.

"Kids have been playing (video games), and that teaches them eye-hand coordination, but they're not relating it to the real world," said Paul Guttman, founder and executive director of Space Science for Schools. "They can take that same skill set they have learned and fly an airplane. We just need to get them out of the house."

Space Science for Schools is collaborating with the High Sierra R/C Club of Carson City and the Experimental Aircraft Association 403 to host the event, desingned for students in grades 3-12.

Guttman said they will learn aviation, math and science. "They won't even know they're learning," he said. "They're playing."

A Fly to Learn workshop will also be available to fourth- through 12th-grade teachers where they will learn to incorporate aviation into the classroom. They will also take a flight with a Civil Air Patrol pilot and receive a half of a continuing education credit.

"We always try to incorporate a parallel program that teaches the teachers," said Dee Frewert, education and development director for Space Science for Schools. "We believe that's the secret to bringing it into the classroom."

The event will be open to students around the area. There will be a suggested donation of $3 for children, however none will be turned away. Adults are free. For more information, email info@SS4S.org.