Women in Aviation and Space

Throughout the history of aviation and space exploration, women have fought to be on equal terms with their male counterparts. At this family day, enjoy learning about the significant contributions women have made despite the many challenges they faced. The day will feature presentations by women in the field, hands-on activities, and stories.

 

TIMED PRESENTATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Astronaut Presentation
Hear from current NASA astronaut Anne McClain.
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 213)
11:00 am

Astronaut Presentation
Hear from Mary Cleave about her experiences as a NASA astronaut.
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 213)
2:00 pm

Astronaut Discussion
Join Mary Cleave and Anne McClain for a discussion about their experiences as astronauts. 
In Moving Beyond Earth (Gallery 213)
12:30 pm

Talk to “Ruth Law”
Interact with the early aviator, portrayed by Natalie Zanin.
In Early Flight (Gallery 107)
11:00 am—1:00 pm and 2:00 pm—3:00 pm

Flights of Fancy Story Time
Enjoy a reading of Rosie Revere, Engineer and a hands-on activity (ages 3+ with an adult companion).
In Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery (Gallery 208)
11:00 am and 1:30 pm 

Astronomical Observing
Observe the sky (weather permitting) and learn about Phoebe Waterman Haas, one of the first women in the US to earn a PhD in astronomy.
At the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory (outside, near McDonald’s)
12:00 pm—3:00 pm

 

ALL DAY PRESENTATION STATIONS

Sally Ride Collection
Learn about the life and career of Sally Ride in this display by the National Air and Space Museum Archives.
In Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall (Gallery 108)

Science Cheerleaders and SciStarter
Talk to the Science Cheerleaders and SciStarter about citizen science and how you can get involved in the issues of light pollution and climate.
In Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall (Gallery 100)

International Dark-Sky Association
Talk to representatives from the International Dark Sky Association about their work to educate people about light pollution.
In Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall (Gallery 100)

  

ALL DAY ACTIVITIES

Early Flight Fun
Make an airmail card and design air show pennants (ages 5+).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Design Build Test: Construct a Sturdy Plane Wing
Build a plane wing, learn about the women who helped build (and fly) planes during WWII, and dress up like Rosie the Riveter (ages 5+).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Jerrie Mock’s Flight Around the World
Map the 1964 flight of the first woman to fly around the world (ages 5+).
In America by Air (Gallery 102)

Space Math
Learn about tribbles (small furry aliens) and how quickly they can fill up a room.
In Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall (Gallery 108) near the studio model of the Star Trek starship Enterprise.

Design Build Test: Satellites
In Looking at Earth (Gallery 110)

Create an Astronaut Mission Patch
In Space Race (Gallery 114)

Plant a Space Salad
In Space Race (Gallery 114)

Make Your Own Aviation Goggles
In Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight Gallery (Gallery 208)

 

This program is made possible through the generous support of Northrop Grumman Corporation.