The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Look! Up in the Sky educational program has spread its wings in Tasmanian schools during 2016. Tom Ryan, RFDS Program Manager – Education, is hitting the road with the interactive aeromedical simulator for a non-stop tour of primary schools from Wednesday 17 August to Friday 9 September.
The educational program was developed by the RFDS for primary school students to provide learning and insight about the RFDS and is based on the core values of respect, teamwork, leadership, fairness and compassion.
The resource uses the iconic status of the RFDS and its real life stories to teach students about the unique nature of the Australian landscape and people's relationship with it in every-day settings.
The focus of the tour is the interactive aeromedical simulator; a life sized replica of the fuselage of a flying doctor aircraft. Recently transformed, it now includes a cockpit, complete with avionics, a propeller flight simulator and is fully equipped with stretchers, oxygen, suction and communications.
Tom Ryan will present to over 65 classes from schools across the state during the four week tour. His presentation is designed to bring the educational program to life through a fun engagement session. "Students will climb on board, strap themselves in and enjoy this unique experience where they will rescue a patient and land an RFDS aircraft in the Outback."
The educational website has recently been redesigned and now provides direct links to subjects, themed topics, interviews, videos and a tour of the Broken Hill Base. It relates to core focus areas across the Australian Curriculum.
Since launching in Tasmania in 2012, this important resource has reached over 50% of primary schools. The program not only provides learning and insight into the role of the RFDS but also supports teachers by providing additional resources to help implement the Australian Curriculum in an interesting and meaningful way.
Visit the Look! Up in the Sky educational program website for further information or to register for the free online program.
