AFJROTC
Aerospace Science (AFJROTC) Sunnyslope only
Aerospace courses are offered through the AFJROTC program. Specific benefits available to students who pursue the Aerospace Science program include 4-year college ROTC scholarships; Air Force Academy nominations for those qualified; higher pay for those who enlist in the Air Force, Army, Navy, National Guard, and Marines after high school graduation; counseling on vocational opportunities in the military services, Coast Guard and the aerospace industry; leadership training and experience; and involvement with various hands-on AFJROTC activities. No military obligation is incurred. There is no lab, book, or uniform fees. Proper grooming in accordance with Air Force standards (e.g., wearing of the uniform, haircuts, etc.) is a requirement of these courses.
Aerospace Science JROTC 1-2 Grades 9-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit
The first year is a history course designed to acquaint the student with the historical development of flight and the role of the military. Over three-quarters of the available classroom hours are spent reviewing the development of flight from ancient legends through the Persian Gulf War and beyond. Additionally, the role of the military throughout the history of the United States is identified. Many of the sixty hours dedicated to leadership studies relate directly to the academic subject matter, with cadets presenting written and oral reports. Wearing of the uniform, Air Force customs, and courtesies, and basic drill skills are introduced.
Aerospace Science JROTC 3-4 Grades 10-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None for juniors, seniors; Aerospace Science JROTC 1-2 for sophomores
The second year is a science course designed to acquaint the student with the aerospace environment, the human requirements of flight, principles of aircraft flight, and principles of navigation. The course begins with a discussion of the atmosphere and weather. After developing an understanding of the environment, how that environment affects flight is introduced. Discussions include the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Students also learn basic navigation including map reading, course-plotting, and the effects of wind. The portion on the Human Requirements of Flight is a survey course on human physiology. Discussed here are the human circulatory system, the effects of acceleration and deceleration, and protective equipment. Leadership hours stress communications skills, time management, and cadet corps activities. As before, written reports and speeches compliment academic materials. Cadet corps activities include holding positions of greater responsibility in the planning and execution of corps projects.
Aerospace Science JROTC 5-6 Grades 11-12 2 Semesters 1 Credit
Prerequisite: None for seniors; Aerospace Science JROTC 1-2 and 3-4 for juniors
The third year is a science course which examines our Earth, the Moon and the planets, the latest advances in space technology, and continuing challenges of space and manned spaceflight. Issues critical to travel in the upper atmosphere such as orbits and trajectories, unmanned satellites, space probes, guidance and control systems are explained. The manned spaceflight section covers major milestones in the endeavor to land on the Moon, and to safely orbit humans and crafts in space for temporary and prolonged periods. It also covers the development of space stations, the space shuttle and its future, and international laws for the use of travel in space. Leadership hours continue the emphasis on written and communication skills. Additionally, basic management skills such as planning, directing, and controlling are introduced. Third-year cadets put these skills into practice by holding key leadership positions in the corps.
Aerospace Science JROTC 7-8 Grades 12 2 Semesters 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Completion of 2 units of Aerospace Science, and approval of Department Chair
The fourth-year curriculum is unique from the others. It offers three options depending on the composition of the students enrolled. The Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) may choose which option they would like to incorporate for that year. Option 1 – Management of the Cadet Corps. The cadets manage the entire corps during the fourth year. This hands-on experience affords the cadets the opportunity to put the theories of previous leadership courses into practice. The cadets will do all the planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, controlling, and decision-making. They practice their communication, decision-making, personal interaction, managerial, and organizational skills. Option 2 - Honors Program, Ground School. The second option is the honors program which is the ground school course. The material covered is an advanced, more in-depth study of the previous aerospace topics. This course is the foundation for students interested in receiving a private pilot’s license. When the course is completed, the students should be prepared to take and pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written examination. Option 3 – Aerospace Careers, Laboratory Manual, Geography, Survival, and Policy and Organization. The third option includes a textbook on choosing a career that has valuable information about careers in the aviation and aerospace industry. The laboratory manual contains experiments that supplement the information in Aerospace Science: The Science of Flight, and Aerospace Science: The Exploration of Space. It is designed to help students apply scientific concepts and principles discussed in the texts. The geography portion of the course adds to the basic knowledge of the Earth’s surface and the processes that shape it; of places and their connections to other places; and of the relationship between people and environments. The survival section presents “good to know” information that would be useful in any situation. Survival instruction will provide training in skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to successfully perform fundamental tasks needed for survival. The information is just as useful to an individual lost hunting or stranded in a snowstorm.