Elevator Pitch
In an age of disposable information and disposable hobbies, where Americans depend more on technology for their leisure than ever before, scale model-building, a favorite pastime of American youth, has fallen by the wayside. Model building has connected Americans to history for generations. My grandfather built the B-36 Peacemakers his father operated in the Strategic Air Command, my father built the F-4 Phantoms his father maintained during the Vietnam War, and I have built the F-14 Tomcats my father worked with during his stint in the Navy. I ask you: why can the youth of today not experience that same connection to history and to family? In my project, students will learn the timeless skill of modelmaking, which teaches organization, patience, and skill with one’s hands, and in doing so, give back to veterans in their community. Service to the men and women that gave so much to protect the sanctity and freedom of the United States combined with teaching a useful skill will give students a sense of connection with veterans and a lasting desire to learn more about history. In my project, students will build scale models to connect to their role models.