Up in the Air with Numbers
13-16 years
5h + pre- and post-work
3803
In this module, learners receive a mission from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) located in Bodø, Norway. They are requested to assist with the observation of various locations in the area to help establish priorities for an ongoing rescue mission. The learners plan a flight route by carrying out the necessary mathematical calculations using various units for distance, speed, and time. They work together in crews to carry out their mission by flying their planned route on advanced flight simulators. By the end of the module, the learners become confident flight navigators.
An important mission awaits learners at the Newton Flight Academy. Upon arrival, they are immediately introduced to the mission of the day via direct video transmission from the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) and Squadron 330, the helicopter unit in charge of Norway’s search and rescue service. The learners then prepare to solve the tasks required to complete their mission. The group is divided into three crews: Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie. Each crew carries out their flight missions in different areas, making collaboration the key to the success of the entire mission.
The module consists of five activities:
Activity 1: We Explore Distance, Speed, and Time. The learners work in pairs to complete various tasks related to distance, speed, and time. They present and sum up their work in a plenary session.
Activity 2: Preparations for the Flight Plan. This work is done in plenary with the Newton Teacher engaging learners with the concepts of time and navigation.
Activity 3: Creating a Flight Plan. The crews create their flight plan. This includes measuring distances, calculating time, and setting the correct course.
Activity 4: Flight Training. The learners practice flying on the simulators before carrying out their mission.
Activity 5: We Fly! The mission is completed using flight simulators. The learners fly in pairs. They observe and document specific locations, discuss how they would prioritise the situations they see, and prepare a report for the JRCC.
The Newton Teacher is in charge of preparing the learners for the mission. The flight training and the mission itself are supported and guided by trained Flight Simulator Instructors.
