Above, Wendy Percival with her class of "Air
Bears"
The Air Bear Program
was developed in 1986 by Jan Draper of the Illinois Department of
Transportation. The Chicago Area 99s picked up the project and
introduced it to others. In Canada, Sue Ehrlander and Patricia
Crocker initiated the Air Bear program. They have been recognized
by the 99s International for their contributions.
The program operates
on a very simple premise: If you expose a child to positive images
of a concept when they are young, the child will retain those
positive feelings into adulthood. Air Bears makes the most of this
idea, by targeting children who are both old enough to have an
understanding of an airport, but are young, and still the most
impressionable. To this end, The 99s have focused on kindergarten
through second-grade levels.
The room (with lots
of space) is set up to look like an airplane. The pilots sit at the
front, and passenger rows are lined up behind. Around the room are
stations for the ticket agents, security, tower personnel and shop.
An exciting destination such as Disneyland is chosen. After a short
Q&A session, volunteers fan out cards for the children to choose.
Each shows the picture and title of an important job related to the
flight. This shows that every task is critical to the flight's
safety and smooth operation. Ticket agents are shown the phones
used to sell tickets and given flight coupons to hand to passengers.
Volunteers simulate the phone ringing and show up to claim tickets.
Security agents are given mikes to scan incoming passengers. They
beep .. The kids demonstrate the use of oxygen masks and handing
out snacks. Mechanics are handed flashlights and wrenches for
on-the-spot repairs. They inspect the plane and sign the logbooks
in their office and tell the pilot that the plane is in good shape.
The control tower personnel learn about maps and issue instructions
to planes over radios. They wear headsets. Weather briefers show
up to warn of weather. ATC adjusts. The success lies in realistic
props and making sure that no one sits idle for any length of time.
Request for Presentation
Ninety-Nines Background Sheet
Programme Presentation Guidelines
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Teacher's Packet
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Handouts for
Children
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Roles/Props
Classroom Presentation: Phase I
Classroom Presentation: Phase II
Masters (sorry, no electronic
copy available) of:
Air Bear Phase I
Certificate
Phase II
Completion Certificate
Colouring Book
Webpage article
about an American Air Bears program at an
airshow.
Teacher Evaluation Form
For "masters" or
further information contact:
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