Ticket to Tomorrow is a proven aviation/aerospace outreach program designed to strengthen math and science skills in school-aged children. Students in grades three to six engage in hands-on, problem solving activities while working with others in a group setting.

Classes take place in a futuristic space environment using inflatable space stations and space shuttles. Students who participate in Ticket to Tomorrow realize that math and science can be fun, and are doors that must be opened to achieve future dreams and goals. This unique program motivates students to pursue careers in engineering, technology, science, math, and aviation.

Schools and other large groups can schedule the Ticket to Tomorrow program through the OU Sooner Flight Academy. Approximately one month prior to the program, teachers receive a pre-visit packet containing aviation and aerospace related, reproducible materials. Teachers are encouraged to use the developmentally appropriate classroom activities to prepare the students for the program, or to develop their own aviation activities in the classroom as expansion ideas.

Upon arrival at the program site, Academy staff set up four inflatable space shuttles, four inflatable space stations, four "staging areas" from which the lessons will be conducted and all necessary support materials. Every two hours, 96 students travel through the "Base Omega" space environment, experiencing scientific principles and applying math skills in four 30-minute lessons.

Enthusiastic instructors facilitate the learning stations throughout the program. Students play the roles of pilots, astronauts, and engineers as they complete the learning objectives at each station.

Ticket to Tomorrow promotes problem solving, critical thinking skills, and inspires students to excel in math and science, while also directing and challenging teachers to expand their traditional math and science curriculum.

For more information call the OU Sooner Flight Academy at (405) 325-1635.