Captain Jo Giles, a Southwest Airlines pilot, is back at Angleton ISD, this time not with a tie design contest but with an even bigger thrill! Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-Pilot program took Central and Northside Elementary students beyond the classroom walls and into the outdoors, turning lessons into real-life demonstrations of science in action.
With a mix of aviation know-how and STEM-based fun, students didn’t just sit and listen. They got to see how the science of flight works through hands-on activities that brought the magic of aviation to life. This four-part lesson series was brought to 4th and 5th grade A.P.A.W.L.O. (Angleton Program to Advance Wildcats’ Learning Opportunity) students, which is one of Angleton ISD’s gifted and talented programs, and the entire 5th grade class at Central Elementary.
Inside the classroom, Captain Giles walked students through how pilots plan their routes, using a whiteboard to map a flight from Houston (HOU) to Colorado Springs (COS). He explained how pilots calculate distance, factor in weather, and use navigation systems to make sure every flight is smooth and safe.
But the real excitement came when the learning moved outdoors.
On the grassy field, Captain Giles showed how air pressure and lift work using everyday objects. With a leaf blower aimed skyward, he created a steady stream of air that made a colorful beach ball hover above the ground. Students laughed and gasped as they saw how moving air could actually hold something up, just like the lift that keeps airplanes in the sky.
Next, he demonstrated airflow and drag by launching long rolls of toilet paper high into the air. As the paper flew in the wind, students could see how invisible air currents move around objects.
Throughout the day, students also explored aviation history, weather tracking, and even the many career paths available in the airline industry. Each lesson tied back to the big idea that science, math, and problem-solving are what make flying possible.
The Adopt-A-Pilot program, created by Southwest Airlines over 25 years ago, connects thousands of classrooms with professional pilots who volunteer their time to mentor students. Pilots like Captain Giles not only teach aviation-related lessons but also share personal stories of perseverance, problem-solving, and dreaming big.
Sources: Angleton ISD Communications, Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot Program
Blog by: Diana Xiao
