Air and space travel is only a century and a few years old and we can thank the Wright Brothers for that. Air travel has become one of the main modes of transportation since its inception. The industry and the tools used within have evolved over time. A school trip to The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a great opportunity for students to learn about the past, present and future of the aviation industry.
The museum offers tours that include history lessons on aviation, spaceflight, astronomy and planetary science. There are various exhibitions that display key points as it relates to these topics. This is exciting as the exhibitions change regularly providing diversity. Students visiting the National Air and Space Museum have the opportunity of viewing some of the most famous icons of flight such as the original Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis and Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit.
Science Demonstrations are also an intriguing addition for any class trip to the National Air and Space Museum. These are step by step visuals and explanations on how and why many scientific experiences occur. The demonstrations are very interactive as they call for student’s hands on participation. The museum offers several demonstrations, but they all provide the opportunity for students to learn. This attraction is perfect for students interested in STEM.
An Example of Science Demonstrations
The National Air and Space Museum is home to the infamous Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory. The Observatory is a great attraction for those on a class trip to The National Air and Space Museum as students will be able to gaze endlessly at the sky while taking note of how this is now possible. It is also a wonderful history lesson about the advancement of women within the aviation field.
The National Air and Space Museum is a very informative yet intriguing addition to any Washington D.C. class trip. This attraction paired with Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center makes for an unforgettable experience for students.