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Free activities for Home School Day set for Oct. 5

  • Published
  • By Sarah Swan
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Home school students can explore the world’s largest aviation museum and learn about aviation history and STEM topics during Fall Home School Day on Oct. 5 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

 

Throughout the day, home school children, ages 3-18, can participate in a number of free educational activities, many focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) themes. There is no advance registration; however, there is limited seating capacity for some programs.

 

There will be four auditorium-style presentations in the museum’s Carney Auditorium:


  • “X-Planes: Pushing the Limits of Aviation” (9:45-10:45 a.m.)
  • “Every Citizen a Soldier: The Power of Posters in War” (11 a.m.-noon)
  • “A Tour of the Universe: From Atoms to Galaxies” (1:15-2:15 p.m.)
  • “Project Blue Book: The Air Force and UFOs” (2:45-3:45 p.m.) 

Subject matter for these programs is targeted mostly towards students in grades 5 and above, as well as adults. After some presentations, take-home, hands-on extension projects will be distributed to those in attendance. Seating in the auditorium will open no earlier than 15 minutes before each program begins.

 

In addition, four hands-on classes will be offered in the museum’s Learning Center:


  • “Into the Air: Exploring Flight” (9:30-10:15 a.m.) – for grades 1, 2 and 3
  • “Modular Electronics: Fuel Your Imagination” (10:45-11:45 a.m.) – for grades 4, 5 and 6
  • “Make_a_Motor” (1-2 p.m.) – for grades 6, 7 and 8
  • “Science Fiction vs. Science Fact: The Battle for Physics” (2:30-3:30 p.m.) – for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 

The Learning Center has a limited seating capacity, so participation will be limited to youngsters of the correct age level only (no siblings or parents). Line numbers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 5 in the museum’s Kettering Hall.

 

Guided tours, storytimes, scavenger hunts and aerospace demonstration stations also are available for the entire family. Those who are interested may come for a full day or just one activity. Visitors may also watch a movie in the digital 3D theatre or ride the interactive flight simulators. More information is available at www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Education/HomeSchoolDay.aspx.

 

If you wish to pack your lunch, a picnic area is available outside the museum. A café is available on the second floor if you prefer to purchase your food at the museum. Be advised that the outside picnic area is a considerable walking distance away from the activities. Be sure to adjust your timing accordingly.

 

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With free admission and parking, the museum features more than 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. Each year about one million visitors from around the world come to the museum. For more information, visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.


 

NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Education Division at (937) 255-4646.

 

NOTE TO MEDIA: For more information, please contact Sarah Swan at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Division at (937) 255-1283.