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What is the ACE (Aerospace Connections in Education) Program?
The ACE Program is an aerospace education program for elementary teachers (K-6) who are aerospace education members (AEMs) of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). This program is designed for schools/teachers to implement during the school day. ACE provides engaging and meaningful cross-curricular aerospace lessons that support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives and enrich the school curricula. Additionally, many lessons promote good character and physical fitness. We believe this program will help foster good-natured and healthy citizens who will develop an interest in and appreciation for aerospace as we seek to inspire the aerospace workforce of the next generation.
What FREE materials do I receive if I participate in the ACE Program?
- A curriculum guide of aerospace-themed, national academic standards-driven lessons for your grade level
- A classroom set of aerospace manipulative items that relate to one of the lessons for your grade level
- A classroom set of ACE t-shirts while supplies last
- A classroom set of student ACE Program completion certificates
- An ACE teacher plaque noting successful ACE Program completion
What are the requirements if I participate in this program?
- Have current membership in the Civil Air Patrol as an AEM or Senior Member.
In the event all of the teachers at your elementary school wish to participate, please
send an email to ace@capnhq.gov to receive further information. - Be a teacher in an elementary school setting (homeschools included).
- Register to participate.
- Teach a minimum of 12 ACE Program lessons to your class.
- Submit an online completion form (includes evaluation of the program).
How long does it take to teach each lesson?
The lessons are designed to be 30-60 minutes in length. We encourage teachers to adapt the lessons as necessary for their unique schedules, resources, and students. There are additional activity ideas provided for each lesson to enrich and extend each lesson.
How do I evaluate my students?
Many lessons include student worksheets. Lesson evaluation methods are listed in each lesson. A comprehensive pre and post test is included.
May I invite others to teach some of the lessons in my class?
The lessons are written in an easy to understand, step-by-step format. We encourage teachers to invite parents, community leaders, as well as other employees of the school such as the counselor, PE teacher, secretary, custodian, etc. to share a lesson with students. Consider inviting Civil Air Patrol and/or Air Force Association (AFA) representatives to teach a lesson in your classroom. What a great way to involve parents and other community members in the educational system!
What is the cost of this program?
The lessons are designed to use inexpensive, easy to acquire materials, such as construction paper, glue, balloons, straws, etc. Costs, therefore, are minimal.
How do I register to participate in this program for the 2011-2012 school year?
- First, make sure you qualify to participate and that you agree to the requirements. The program is designed for elementary educators in grades K - 6 who will ensure at least 12 of the 21 ACE lessons are taught to their students during the school year. (For details on program implementation, click the "Teacher Implementation Guidelines" link located in the yellow "Related Documents" column at the top of this page.)
- Next, you must be a member of CAP in order to register to participate in the ACE Program. (If you are not currently a member, click here for CAP AEM membership information and to join online.) In the event your school wishes to become an ACE School (wherein all of the elementary teachers at your school participate), please send an email to ace@capnhq.gov for further information.
- Finally, teachers who wish to participate in the 2012-2013 ACE Program should plan to register online at eServices in September. If you have questions, please send an email to ace@capnhq.gov.
What happens after I register?
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As a member of CAP, you have access to the online ACE curriculum guides located in eServices at https://www.capnhq.gov. You may immediately go online to review or start using the curriculum.
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ACE materials (hard copy of the curriculum guide and other items) are typically mailed in October and November.
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Follow the implementation guidelines provided in the curriculum guide.
Please send an email inquiry to ace@capnhq.gov if you have any questions.
CAP greatly appreciates organizations and companies who help sponsor the ACE Program: the Air Force Association (AFA); FLIR Systems, Inc.; and Lightspeed Aviation Foundation.
