National Air and Space Museum Educational Programs -- Educational Video Conferencing

Educational Videoconferencing

Students can interact with the National Air and Space Museum without leaving the classroom! The museum offers Interactive Videoconferencing programs featuring the museum's staff and docent volunteers. Use of the unique National Air and Space Museum collection and the universally-engaging nature of aviation and space make these programs relevant and exciting. These interactive electronic experiences augment teacher lesson plans and correspond to national education standards. The programs are broadcast over the internet and require the use of videoconference equipment at the school.

Educational Videoconferencing Programs

Apollo 11

Mars

To the Moon and Possibly to Mars
(Available Mondays and Thursdays only)

Audience: Grades 8+
Topics: Science, Social Studies, History

Based on the Milestones of Flight exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, DC, this 45-minute lesson features two-way interactive between students and museum docents (volunteer tour guides). The docents describe major achievements that enabled travel to the moon, and identify obstacles and problems encountered in placing a person on the lunar surface and returning safely back to earth. The use of space artifacts, National Air and Space Museum photos, NASA images and thought-provoking questions for the students enhance the experience. The lesson concludes by asking students to consider problems associated with returning to the moon and eventually on to Mars. Relevant classroom activities for use prior to the program are provided on the museum's Web site and a pre-lesson videoconference with the teacher is a participation requirement.

1903 Wright Flyer

Kites, Wings and Flying Things

Audience: Grades 3-5
Topics: Science, Social Studies

This 30-minute program, featuring museum staffer Elizabeth Wilson, explores some of the ideas and concepts the Wright brothers used to create their 1903 Flyer. Students actively participate in comparing the materials and control systems of kites with the 1903 Flyer, as well as learn about airfoils and how they create lift. Students learn through inquiry and first-hand observations of the original 1903 Flyer on display at the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Materials and classroom activities for use prior to the program are included. A pre-lesson videoconference with the teacher is a participation requirement.


To learn more about a program, please contact:

LeRoy London E-mail: londonl@si.edu	or	Myra Banks-Smith E-mail: banksm@si.edu

If you would like to request a program, please register online.

Videoconference Registration Request Form

Please note: Videoconference reservations must be made one month in advance. Registrants are required to participate in a pre-lesson videoconference which will be scheduled no less than one week prior to the date of the videoconference lesson with the students. This will provide a “getting-to-know-you” opportunity for lesson presenters and the teacher(s) who will participate in the videoconference lesson.