Amid school closures caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Redbird Flight Simulations is launching an online series of the Redbird STEM Lab, the company’s interactive classes for students in middle school and high school.
Beginning March 31, 2020, Redbird’s STEM Director Greg Roark will lead students through six virtual classes aimed at engaging their creativity and continuing to foster their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) outside the classroom.
Redbird will hold the classes weekly, and students will be able to view or review video recordings of each class any time after they are released. A flight simulator is not required to participate, but students are encouraged to use their Redbird simulator or any flight simulation software that is accessible in their home.
The Redbird Virtual STEM+ Lab is free and open to the public. Students who are interested in participating should review the schedule and register for updates at Simulators.Redbirdflight.com/Redbird-Virtual-STEM-Lab.
Aviation Appreciation: March 31, 2020
It is hard to imagine an industry that could have as significant an impact on the planet in as little time as aviation. This episode covers a brief history of the aviation industry. It explores how aviation’s long and humble beginnings led to our dependence on airplanes today. We also will discuss the various ways that airplanes and aviation affect you and your local economy.
Airplane Basics – April 7, 2020
When do you first remember seeing an airplane? How did you know it was an airplane? In this episode, we will discuss an airplane’s distinguishing features — from spinners to empennages — and give a brief overview of how those features work.
Aviation Weather – April 14, 2020
When pilots fly airplanes, they always deal with the weather. To deal with that weather, they first must understand where weather comes from, how it can change, and how it may affect their aircraft. In this episode, we will take a look at the weather and see how it affects air travel.
Basic Aviation Aerodynamics – April 21, 2020
What truly makes an airplane an “air” plane? What’s the difference between an airplane and a car? Why does February normally have only 28 days? Tune into this episode for the answers to these riveting questions.
Stalls: The Wing is the Thing – April 28, 2020
The wings are perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of an airplane. Yet, they may be the least understood. In this episode, we will look at various aircraft wings, how they work, and — in some instances — how they don’t work.
Aeronautical Decision-Making – May 5, 2020
“Have a great day and make good choices.” You’ve heard that before, right? But would it surprise you to know that most people have never learned how to make good choices when they count the most? In this episode, we will look at an algorithm that can help you in your decision-making process. We also will discuss the relevance of this decision-making and how it applies in our world today.