"Webwings" was created to introduce students in middle school to the principles of physics and other high level sciences through aviation.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics sponsored the development of the project in order to promote high level sciences at the middle school level and to inspire new model aircraft enthusiasts, said Allison Bell Politinsky, associate director of the Indiana Academy's outreach office.

The organization donated $10,000 for the Indiana Academy to develop the Web-based project, which is free to educators.

"Flying is an extremely appealing topic to students in middle school," Politinsky said. "It is critical that we get young students interested in the high level sciences. Aviation is a great way to introduce them to mathematics and science."

The Web site will be formally introduced to the public during the annual grand event June 10-11 at the Academy of Model Aeronautics International Aeromodeling Center, 5151 E. Memorial Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

The Webwings booth will have computers for participants to try out the sites first hand. Also, members of the Indiana Academy's outreach office will demonstrate some of the activities featured on the sites.

Teachers are invited to log on to the Web sites and use them freely in their classrooms. There is no charge for using the sites but developers ask that teachers take time to respond by clicking on the feedback button so the AMA and the Indiana Academy's outreach office can keep tabs on the benefits of the program's use in the classroom.

Webwings was developed by Chris Raleigh, a web designer for the Indiana Academy. The academy is the state's only residential high school for academically gifted students. About 300 juniors and seniors are enrolled at the academy, located at Ball State University.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about this story contact Politinsky at (765) 285-7027. Webwings is on the Web at www.bsu.edu/academy/webwings.)