Engineers For America
Air Force Armament Museum Air Armament Institute
Engineers for America (EFA) is a locally conceived program that builds on national and state emphasis on science and engineering studies for elementary and middle school students. The Air Force Armament Museum Foundation, the award winning Okaloosa County School District, and representatives of local colleges and universities have developed a unique curriculum that presents the displays at the Armament Museum as practical real world engineering problems to interest and motivate younger students.
Methodology:
Teachers will use museum displays to explore scientific principles to develop analytical and technical skills which in turn will be passed on to students. Success in applying scientific principals will motivate interested students and interest those who might otherwise not have been presented with this opportunity. EFA is intended to benefit those who might pursue a vocational program or an advanced degree in science or engineering. In each instance, students will be better prepared to one day compete and work in the Northwest Florida area workforce as technicians, scientists or engineers.
Participants:
The EFA Working group is co-chaired by the Armament Museum Foundation President, Lt. General (Ret.) Gordon Fornell and Mr. Howard Dimmig. Mr. Dimmig had previously chaired the Foundation’s Education Study that suggested the Museum Foundation pursue education programs as the most appropriate investment to encourage public support and recognition of the Air Armment Museum. Other members of the Working Group include senior representatives from the Okaloosa County School District, notably the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Non-Traditional Education and the Principal from Choctaw High School. UWF, Embry-Riddle, Troy, the Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and representatives of local Chambers of Commerce are included in the working group. The group first met in January 2006 and now has over thirty members who meet regularly to advance Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) instruction through Engineers for America and complementary local programs such as CHOICE, Okaloosa County School District’s award winning career institutes program for high school students.
 Guided Class Tour Curriculum Development:
The Okaloosa County School District developed the EFA curriculum. The Armament Museum Foundation, drawing on the expertise of members of the Foundation Board of Directors, developed the initial list of practical problems resident in the museum. A paid UWF instructor on the staff of the Choctaw High School Aviation Academy developed a week-long course of study to introduce elementary teachers to scientific inquiry/problem solving. A first, continuing education summer session was held at the museum in July 2006. A second session, Teach the Teachers, was conducted in June 2007. Twenty 5th grade teachers participated. On 13 November 2007, 42 5th grade students from Longwood Elementary in Shalimar, FL came to the museum as the very first EFA classroom visit. During the 2007/2008 school year 6 different schools brought a total of 383 students to the museum. In the 2008/2009 school year the EFA goal is to bring all 2600 fifth grade students in the Okaloosa County School District to the museum.
 Engineers For America Class Photo Armament Museum Education Center:
EFA instruction will be enhanced by the availability of the Armament Museum Foundation’s new Education Center. This “state of the art” Center will be a 10,000 sq ft building constructed immediately adjacent to the current museum. Our design (by Lord & Son Construction of Fort Walton Beach) has been approved by Eglin AFB officials and construction is planned to begin in late 2008.
Local Support:
Letters of support have been received by the FWB, Destin, Crestview and Twin Cities Chambers of Commerce, the Workforce Development Board and the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County. The support of the educational and business leaders adds credibility to our efforts and enhances our opportunity to pursue sponsors, scholarships, grants and internships.
Recommendation:
Support Engineers for America and the Armament Museum Education Center. Contact Paul Maryeski, Foundation Executive Director, at 850.830.3321 or EDAFAMF@cox.net for more information.
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