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Aviation and the exploration of air and space have been central to Seattle's economy for the past century. Seattle is a city that designs and builds airplanes, welcomes air travelers from points far and near and built a trade-based economy shipping goods and ideas around the globe. Understanding the way our community has been shaped by aviation is important to any young person. Just as important, understanding the future of aviation and the careers, opportunities and challenges it presents is essential for today's students, many whose futures will involve air transportation.
The following case studies give students an understanding of the people behind Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and King County Airport (Boeing Field). Similar to our other case studies, each is matched to EALRs and WASLs. We hope that these new case studies open your students' eyes to the exciting world of aviation.
Students help King County International Airport Noise Manager Larry Burris conduct research, collect information, and synthesize information for others as he attempts to help citizens who are angry about airplane noise. Lesson plan includes both a written assignment and a group communications and role-playing exercise.
Career Pathway: Engineering, Industry & Science
Subject Area: Social Studies
EALRs:
Communication 1.1, 1.2, 1.3,.2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.4
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
Civics 4.1, 4.3
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Students help United Airlines mechanic Roger Cordiner determine how and when to communicate with co-workers and passengers as he repairs a faulty valve on a plane. Case study stresses the relationship of communication skills to all career pathways. Teaching notes include group oral presentations and individual written assignments.
Career Pathway: Engineering, Industry & Science
Subject Area: Communication
EALRs:
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
Communication 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4
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Scott Eberhardt manages the University of Washington's wind tunnel. He encounters problems testing an aircraft due to incomplete records from a previous test. Students explore the principles of flight and the documentation procedures for scientific experiments. Case study includes an in-class writing exercise, two longer-term research and writing assignments, and a wind tunnel project.
Career Pathway: Engineering, Industry, & Science
Subject Area: Science
EALR's:
Science 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.3
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
Communication 1.1, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4
*Part of "Flight Paths" aviation series.
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Students help Flying Eagle Espresso owner Jean Elmer plan an expansion for her espresso cart, which is located in the baggage claim area of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Students also complete a business plan exercise designed to explore the issues small business owners must confront when opening a new business. Case study includes one persuasive writing exercise in a business memo format and a business plan worksheet.
Career Pathway: Business & Management
Subject Area: Writing
EALR's:
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
Communication 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.4
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Students help Alaska Airlines pilot Mill Fambles organize a summer aviation for students that will be built around the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, an African American WWII airborne squadron. Case study includes a persuasive writing exercise as well as three potential research assignments.
Career Pathway: Engineering, Industry, & Science
Subject Area: Social Studies/Communications and History
EALR's:
History 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2
Writing 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2
Communication 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 4.4
*Part of "Flight Paths" aviation series.
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Students help Port of Seattle Commissioner Paige Miller prepare for an important business meeting in Taiwan which, if successful, will lead to a new air route between Seattle and Taiwan. Students use reading and listening skills to learn more about business practices in Taiwan and then advise Paige on the strategy she should use in the meeting. Lesson plan includes written assignments, a group communication exercise, and an optional art exercise to create a marketing poster.
Career Pathway: Business & Management
Subject Area: Social Studies
EALR's:
Communication 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.4
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
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Students help King County International Airport Maintenance Supervisor Patricia Tonsgard schedule a time to repair a crack in the airport's runway. In the process, students collect information about all the people and organizations who must be notified about the runway closure, develop a list of steps needed to proceed with the repair, and learn the need for and then develop a complex time line (Gantt) chart. Lesson plan includes answer key for assigned chart.
Career Pathway: Engineering, Industry & Science
Subject Area: Mathematics
EALRs:
Mathematics 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4
Communication 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.4
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