Mo. Wing Members Enjoy Unique STEM Activity
Recently, cadets in Missouri Wing's Lee’s Summit Composite Squadron were introduced to engines in a new way – cutaway models. This demonstration was funded by a grant from the Air & Space Force Association; and the models, along with a comparison of actual gasoline and diesel engines, provided an engaging squadron aerospace education night. The models included a metal 4-stroke single piston model as well as a turbofan plastic model.
A total of 27 cadets and 3 senior members participated in, and were introduced to, piston and jet engines, their operating principles, and how the components of the models demonstrate the engine action. Descriptions of vehicles and aircraft with distinctions between different types of engines (gasoline, diesel, turbojet, turbojet with afterburner, turboprop, and turbofan) were included in the demo.
The demo was also extended to the general public at a Young Eagles event hosted by Chapter 91 of the Experimental Aircraft Association with dozens of individuals interacting with the engine models.
“We greatly appreciate the support of the AFA for this aerospace education activity,” said Maj. J. David Van Horn, squadron aerospace education officer. “This is a wonderful way to engage cadets in powered aspects of flight.”
The squadron plans to use the models at future aerospace education opportunities, both inside and outside the unit, and to incorporate them with aircraft operation and maintenance training.
