iFLY Indoor Skydiving STEM Program

iFLY is a state-of-the-art indoor skydiving facility.  iFLY STEM Field Trips inspire and educate students through an immersive, educational program where they first learn science and technology, and then experience the thrill of actually flying.

 

"Having recently attended an event with one of our Kentucky Squadrons at the Cincinnati venue, I can highly recommend this activity to any youth organization.  The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and provided an educational experience that was both challenging and fun.  We took a group of cadets ranging from 12-17 years old, and every single one rated this experience as one of the best, and one that will not be soon forgotten.  I have recommended that all our cadet squadrons investigate this activity for their cadets, and would recommend it to any youth group." 

-Maj Nicholas Birt, Director of Cadet Programs, KY Wing, CAP

 

 

1.1.   Key Concept:  Use indoor skydiving as a thrilling activity that can achieve STEM and Core Values learning outcomes for participating cadets

1.2.   Official Partner:   iFly 

1.3.   Goals:       

1.      Increase cadet knowledge of and enthusiasm for STEM topics

2.      Increase cadets’ commitment to the Core Values by emphasizing virtues of trust, sobriety, wingman support, and discipline

1.4.   Duration:   Plan on a half-day for 20 cadets

1.5.   Curriculum.  iFly instructors will deliver lessons that are aligned with national math and science educational standards for middle school and/or high school, depending upon the cadets’ age ranges.

iFLY uses its unique vertical wind tunnel facility to make STEM exciting, relevant, and accessible to students. The curriculum has been designed by STEM educators and scientists to support STEM learning. Every iFLY field trip includes:

• Interactive STEM presentation, delivered by iFLY STEM Educator

• Physics demonstration in the wind tunnel

• Classroom experiment to derive students’ predicted terminal velocity and compare with actual measured wind tunnel speeds

• Flying instruction & safety training

• Flying time, with one-on-one supervision from a highly-trained and certified instructor

• Pre and post-field trip activities to conduct in the squadron classroom

1.6.   Learning Objectives (middle and high school groups)

• Increasing awareness of exciting STEM careers

• Learning how STEM is used in the real-world

• Drawing and interpreting free-body force diagrams

• Understanding the nature of fluids and how they exert forces on solid objects

• Deriving equations to represent physical phenomena

• Applying engineering principles to think about tunnel design, energy efficiency, and safety factors

• Understanding variability, uncertainty, and error in experimental results

1.7.   Additional Learning Objectives (cadet groups)

• Invite cadets to accept challenges that are slightly beyond their normal comfort zone to promote personal growth

• Identify the elements of the CAP risk management process and apply those elements to the indoor skydiving activity

• Demonstrate the value of having a wingman and serving as a wingman during a hazardous activity

 

Program Information

STEM Program Pricing:

-STEM Program & 2 Flight Package $45/person (minimum 15 participants)
-STEM Program & 1 Flight Package $35/person (minimum 26 participants) 

*Groups will need to select one of the above options to accommodate all the flyers in their reservation, as we cannot mix and match the STEM Flight packages.

STEM Add-On options:

-STEM High Flight $8/person (what is a High Flight and how does it contribute to a STEM trip?) 

*High Flights can be added on to for the whole group or on a per-person basis.

iFLY’s STEM program runs Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays and high peak times like Winter/Spring break). The program is very flexible and not contained within normal operating hours. iFLY frequently opens early and stays open late to accommodate STEM groups. While some locations may approve a weekend STEM visit, it cannot be guaranteed that the prices above would be honored due to their deeply discounted nature. 

Note: Pricing is valid at corporate locations in the USA and may not be representative of franchise locations.   Current franchise locations: Colorado Springs, Jacksonville, Detroit, Virginia Beach, Ogden and Oceanside-San Diego. 

Accessibility for Cadets with Special Needs

iFly has successfully accommodated fliers who have mobility limitations, sensory challenges, and other special needs. Generally, iFly prohibits only people who exceed a maximum weight limit or are wearing a hard-shell cast. See the iFly website for details, which may vary by location. Squadrons that have cadets who have special needs are encouraged to confer with iFly prior to their event so that iFly staff can attempt to make accommodations.

Uniform

For indoor skydiving, the recommended uniform is PT gear comprising of athletic pants or shorts, squadron t-shirts, and closed-toe sneakers.   The iFly flight suit will be worn over these clothes.  Individuals with long hair should wear it braided and in a low bun to accomodate the iFly helmet.

Program Operations

Approvals Required. Cadet Adventure activities are “Challenge Activities” under CAPR 60-2, Cadet Protection Program. The following approvals must be obtained prior to conducting the activity.

• Review relevant section in the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checklist (Note: not applicable for indoor skydiving).

• CAPF 60-160, Risk Assessment Worksheet.  

• Unit Commander Approval, evidenced by the activity showing on the unit’s web-based calendar

• CAPF 60-80, CAP Cadet Activity Permission Slip, endorsed by the participating cadets’ parents or guardians.

• Host Organization Liability Release 

 

Indoor Skydiving STEM Program Planning Timeline
8+ weeks in advance	6+ weeks in advance	1 week in advance	D-Day	1 week after event
Discuss the opportunity with cadets; gauge interest	Conduct an informational briefing for cadets and parents	Conduct preparatory lesson Slides Script	Have a great day!	Complete AAR
Contact the host organization to inquire about scheduling	Schedule the event with the host organization*	Collect signed permission slips (CAP & host org.)	Facilitate guided reflections and help the cadets answer, “So what?”
	Post it on your squadron website	Coordinate transportation, meals, logistics, etc.	Take photos, videos, and get quotes; post on social media and share with local news outlets
		Double-check cadets’ medical status and react to any recent changes

* When booking with iFly a quote will be presented for e-signature. This agreement is considered a price quote and does not constitute a “contract” as per CAP financial management rules. The unit finance committee may approve this document.  It is not necessary to obtain NHQ approvals.

Questions?  Cadets@capnhq.gov

Last update: 5/28/24