Are you ready to take your class on a high flying field trip?! Everywhere I go, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to bring real world learning experiences and projects into my classroom. Last week, my husband and I visited our son in Seattle. My husband and two sons are aviators, so a stop at Payne Field to visit the Museum of Flight was in order. This was my first time touring the museum, and it was absolutely amazing!!
We entered the museum and found a large area that shared the history of flight, the International Space Station (ISS), and aircraft design. It was amazing to see the real engines and how huge they are. The global display of flags certainly reminded me that aviation/aerospace is a global work experience.
Another interesting aspect focused on using natural resources to make fuel for airplanes. Research is focusing on biofuels. I did not know that plants are being investigated as a resource for fuel. When I think about fuels, fossils come to mind, not plants. The display was very informative and shared current research opportunities at the University of Washington.
The other exciting component at the museum included exploration and education. There is a Maker Space area with a variety of STEM related projects for kids of all ages to investigate. This was a lot of fun using the tools to design a working project. I didn’t get a picture of this (I was playing), but it is certainly one area that you’ll want to investigate! The hands on activities were fun for all!
Everywhere I go, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to bring real world learning experiences and projects into my classroom.
As we continued our experience, we were bummed since we just missed the 3D printing presentation; however, we were able to peek into the engineering space and see the projects that are being completed. While we were peering into the room, we saw two 3D printers working on completing a project. It was interesting to see the projects that were on display – dinosaurs and airplanes were a few.
I can tell by reading your post that you are passionate about both learning, and teaching. Sounds like the Museum of Flight was a fascinating experience!
Yes, Candi! Sharing the excitement with the kiddos sparks their own interest, questions, and desire to learn more. Love it!❤️
Take care!
~ Annette
I love visiting museums, especially ones that look as fun and interesting as this! I’m sure every student would love a virtual experience. I hope that can happen!
Thanks, Christa! I’m working on the virtual trip. I’m certain it will be just as amazing. At least a great intro for an in person stop where kids can visit with their family. 👍🏼
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Annette
I am sure kids had a blast with the trip, it is educative and entertaining at the same time.
You bet, Ina! Although my kiddos will have a virtual experience, any trip here would be both educational and FUN!!!
~ Annette
What a fun field trip! both of my girls are in a STEMS program at school and we love it!
Kristi, how exciting for your girls to participate in a STEM program!! Education has certainly changed from our days. There are lots of new opportunities to inspire learning for students!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Annette
I haven’t been to Boeing for years, looks like it would be fun to do again.
Yes, Melissa!! This is totally worth a visit!! Let me know when you get there and about your experience.
Take care,
~ Annette
This would be a great field trip! Good call!
Thanks, Gail! Yes, an in person trip would be totally amazing! Can you imagine the excitement?!?
Thanks for stopping by!
~ Annette
I hope you are able to get this for your students…it looks like a great teaching/learning activity!
Thanks, Michele! I’m working on the virtual aspect. Although a personal experience would be best, not quite practical from Alaska. Kids love the learning!!
~ Annette
Looks like a great place to visit. We always look for places on trips that will be educational as well as fun!
Awesome, Pam!! This is certainly a place to add to your list. What other places would you recommend??
~ Annette
My best childhood friend worked for Boeing for many years. Her husband worked for JPL and helped build the Mars Rovers. I honestly believe that if they hadn’t had opportunities like this, they would never have gotten into their lines of work! Thank you for sharing this!
Hello Rachel, I agree. Many kids don’t know which direction to head after high school. Providing a variety of experiences helps kids figure it out.
Have a great day!
~ Annette
This looks like such a fun STEM activity. Such a great interactive trip!
Hello Anitra, yes engaging students in hands on learning sparks excitement!! Thanks for stopping by.
~ Annette