Entering its 13th year this year, the Little Aerospace Engineers Winter Vacation Training Camp was held in North Kaohsiung over the winter vacation. The event was co-organized by National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) and the Kaohsiung City Education Bureau, along with assistance from the Air Force Institute of Technology and National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism. It also received financial support through the Ministry of Education’s “University Social Responsibility Practice (USR) Program” and the National Science Council’s “Popular Science Activity Program”. Through the promotion of aviation science, the activity helped foster an atmosphere of scientific learning in the community while promoting aviation technology and national defense. Project leader Hudson Hsu, who is a professor at the NPUST Program of Artificial Intelligence and Mechatronics, said that, in addition to promoting the community service functions of colleges and universities, this activity aims to use Gangshan as a starting point to gradually build Kaohsiung into a major center for aviation science education. By integrating local resources and conducting inter-school cooperation, elementary and middle school students are provided with the opportunity to discover the wonders and applications of aerospace technology while learning about life sciences.
During the three-day workshop, the camp organizers were honored to invite six inter-school university professors and seven college students to hold classes together. The learning activities allowed the children to gain a deeper understanding of aviation science and experience practical operations. The course content included air force history, analysis of flight principles, 360-degree aircraft turning operations, parachute water rocket making, simulated flying, large RC drone flight performances, and exciting drone football competitions. The students experienced the unique charm of aerospace technology through hands-on practice and creative competitions. The atmosphere was very lively and inspired many children to set their goals on becoming future aviation experts. Gangshan, which was the location of the event, has been an important aviation center since the Japanese colonial era. It was once the location of the Navy’s 61st Aircraft Manufacturing Bureau and still retains its unique culture and history. The location is also home to an old two-story residence for air force dependents which has been preserved as a historical building, and which was also used for the filming of a popular TV series, A Touch of Green. Altogether, not only were the students exposed to in-depth aviation science through classroom education, but they also witnessed the country’s rich cultural heritage and air force history through visits to local cultural sites. The winter vacation camp was full of surprises, and helped the children find wings that will help lift them towards their aviation dreams.
