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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. Technical note: All videoconference connections will be initiated by the museum.  Please check with your technical staff to make certain that you can receive videoconference calls.

 

Educational Videoconferencing Programs

       
 

Apollo 11 Liftoff

Apollo 11

 

Apollo to the Moon
(Available Thursdays afternoons 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 discussion 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 available below. A pre-lesson videoconference with the teacher is a participation requirement.

      Pre-Read and Classroom Materials:
  • To The Moon - Follow-up Activity
  • To The Moon - Questions for Students
  • Living and Working in Space Teaching Poster
  • NASA 2006 Spinoff Technologies
  • Why on Earth Do We Spend Tax Dollars on Space?
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    1903 Wright Flyer

    1903 Wright Flyer

     

     

    Kites, Wings and Flying Things

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

    This 30-minute program, featuring Museum educator 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 provided. 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.