Aviation isn’t exactly a passion for my kids at this stage, but I thought it would be a fun and interesting topic for them to explore. Sometimes, simply exposing them to new things sparks an interest that I never anticipated. Over the past six weeks, my high school aged daughter has been studying Aviation History with Doctor Aviation.
Although we primarily chose to review this as a high school elective course, but have found that my younger daughter is interested as well, and has chosen to sit in some of the videos. I think it could easily be used with multiple ages or pursued as a family.
About Doctor Aviation
Doctor Aviation is a web based program created by a college professor and former Air Force Command and Instructor Pilot who served in the Air Force for 24 years. It is designed for learners of all ages (including adults) with an interest in aviation as a career or hobby. This self-paced course is video / lecture based and provides a plethora of additional resources to expand your learning in specific areas of aviation.
Each session (there are 15 total) includes a 45-50 minute video lecture, downloadable notes, and resources for deeper study (including book recommendations, links to videos and articles) and optional assignments for further study. The video lessons are primarily lecture style, but do include pictures, illustrations and diagrams to help explain concepts. If your student is taking the course for high school credit, downloadable exams are provided.
Students can take their time working through the information, re-watch the video lectures if necessary and explore a variety of areas of aviation history depending on their interests.
Topics Covered:
In each session, students will cover a technical aspect of aviation, learn about a noteable figure, and explore an important event in the history of aviation.
- Course Overview: The Aviation System
- The Aircraft (Primarily the airplane, but also the helicopter, gliders and balloon craft). This sections explores why an aircraft flies and axes and forces in depth.
- Air Traffic Control
- Aircraft Maintenance
- Airfield Operations
- The Aircraft II
What We Liked:
I loved that Doctor Aviation offers a deep dive into learning about a topic that is rarely offered to young students. It gives them access to knowledge that they are unlikely to find in a typical high school or middle school text book, or local class. This program can be used for a high school elective credit if your student completes all sessions and includes some of the optional work. I think for a student that is interested, this would be a unique and engaging way to earn a credit.
Additionally, I appreciated that the course’s website was clear and simple to navigate and the system was easy to use. Students (and parents) can clearly track their progress through the course and access their account details easily from the dashboard.
As far as timing this program in your high school plan, I think it would be a wonderful compliment to the study of modern world history (including WWI & WWII), and high school level physics. I think it would also be very helpful for students participating in Science Olympiad (like my daughter). She feels far more knowledgeable and willing to take on the flight events at next year’s competition after working through the first two units!
To read more reviews from the Review Crew, click the image below.
