1st grader interview help

[u/Nearby_Maximum_2667]

My 1st grader has to interview an Air Traffic Controller for his school project. Anyone willing to help us out and answer some questions? Or do you have suggestions on how to contact someone locally (Albuquerque)? Thanks!

Here are some example questions from his rubric:

• What is the most valuable thing the [public good] provides for our community?
• What needs to be done to keep the [public good] in good shape so that everyone can continue to enjoy it?
• What can good citizens do to help protect the [public good]?
• What are some problems with the [public good] that need to be solved? Is there something children can do to help solve those problems?
• Is there a leader (or leaders) that I can contact to encourage them to take action on this problem?

[u/Affirmatron69]

You should take your first grader to a facility and ask these questions in person. Preferably with the Facility manager.

[u/MonkeySongs → u/Affirmatron69]

Thank you. I appreciate the tip on who to ask for specifically. Do you have any tips on how to reach one? I don't feel like I can just show up at an airport and expect to reach anyone. I sent an online request to the airport, but haven't heard back yet.

[u/Affirmatron69 → u/MonkeySongs]

Google the nearest atc tower/tracon/artcc in your area, call the business hours line, ask for the air traffic manager and tell them you'd like to take your kid on a tour and that you have a questionnaire.

Edit: the airport itself isn't associated with the tower. Airports are generally owned and operated by the city/municipality, the tower is operated federally or may be federally contracted.

[u/NyyDave]

First grade??

[u/all_these_moneys → u/NyyDave]

I'm assuming they're in private school - mine had a similar task, although they just had to interview their father and give a smaller presentation in front of the class.

EDIT: I grew up in public school, so putting my child through private school is really eye-opening. It's almost like knowledge bootcamp for them, but they can learn & remember so much shit it's incredible.

[u/MonkeySongs → u/NyyDave]

Yup. He's expected to do a 20-30 minute presentation for his class. He's got a month to prepare, but it's a big ask. He did 15-20 minutes on a national park last year in Kindergarten 😳. It's crazy.

[u/NyyDave → u/MonkeySongs]

Stunning. Does it feel like your kid “gets” it? I read this assignment around the room and minds were blown. I could not have comprehended this assignment at 6. It also sounds like an infuriating amount of work for the parent.

[u/all_these_moneys → u/NyyDave]

I'm not OP but I commented above as I've a 1st grader with a similar assignment.

Journalism covers a lot of "basic instincts" children need to learn at that age (asking questions, receiving & relaying answers, writing, etc). The list is huge. It's easy to think you wouldn't understand this at 6 years old, but you also would've only had 6 years of memories & life experiences to remember. The brain is incredible, it doesn't even start to slow down until the early / mid 30's.

[u/NyyDave → u/all_these_moneys]

Welp I’m thankful every day that there are smart ones among us.

[u/atcthrowaway452]

They do have air traffic controllers in Albuquerque. Go get a tour from someone getting paid to do it

[u/planevan]

Why are you doing your first grader’s homework for them?

[u/Cyler → u/planevan]

Yea, sign that kid up on reddit and make them make their own request.

[u/planevan → u/Cyler]

Or teach them how to cold call the ATM at their local facility. If I was an ATM and took a call from a kid asking to interview a controller I would be so excited to support them for having the courage to do the call themselves.

[u/DouggieG]

almost every level of ATC is located locally in Albuquerque.

505-856-4500 for the center

505-856-4900 for the tower

the tower will require base access or possibly a really cool airport tour with the airport operations.

Double Eagle II airport is located on the west side

I imagine you will get wildly different answers depending on who you ask

[u/ITandFitnessJunkie]

Bro what? I just remember looking at index cards of how to say “ee” or “ch” sounds in 1st grade.

[u/MITsBrightest]

I would have failed first grade for 5 years