The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has announced a new program for middle school educators, completely free of charge. The inaugural Teacher Innovator Institute will teach educators how to bring the museum experience into their classrooms by exploring connections between informal STEM education and authentic learning. The two-week immersive program in Washington, D.C. will welcome 30 teachers from across the country in summer 2018. Applications must be submitted by April 1.

Smithsonian scientist Bruce Campbell and the Planetary Science Institute’s Gareth Morgan have developed a new approach that uses different wavelengths of radio waves to better understand layers of ice in polar and non-polar regions of Mars. This new method for measuring ice properties provides a better understanding of the planet’s climate history and more accurately assesses resources for future exploration.

The National Air and Space Museum has announced that nine major commercial airlines contributed gifts totaling $28 million to support the transformation of the flagship building in Washington, D.C. These are among the first major gifts received for the campaign to transform all of the museum’s exhibitions and visitor experience. Construction is scheduled to begin in late summer 2018.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will celebrate Black History Month with activities at both museum locations and online. “African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space” will be the feature event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Feb. 10. Storytimes, hands-on activities and online resources will also be available throughout the month.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum announces the 2018 “Exploring Space Lecture” series. This year’s four-part series will focus on the James Webb Space Telescope, in preparation for its 2019 launch. Each of the lectures will take place at 8 p.m. in the museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and is free to the public. Lectures will be followed by sky observing in the museum’s Public Observatory, weather permitting.

“AirSpace” Explores Stories that Defy Gravity from the World’s Most Visited Museum

Today the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum launched its first podcast, “AirSpace.” The museum contains the largest and most significant collection of air- and spacecraft in the world, and this new series aims to tell the human stories of achievement, failure and perseverance behind those famous machines. Each episode will demystify the world’s most popular museum, and explore why people are so fascinated with stories of exploration, innovation and discovery.

Visitors and residents of Northern Virginia need look no further than the area’s premier attraction for activities this winter break. The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center will offer something for everyone, from story times and in-depth tours to alternate-reality games and screenings of Star Wars: The Last Jedi with costumed characters

The Smithsonian has announced plans to revitalize the National Air and Space Museum and transform its exhibitions. The project, estimated to take place over seven to eight  years, will be done on a phased sequencing schedule that will keep many exhibitions open during the construction process. The building will undergo complete refacing of the exterior cladding, replacement of outdated mechanical systems and other repairs and improvements. The visitor experience will also change when all of the museum’s 23 galleries and presentation spaces are updated or completely redone.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will host its annual “Air & Scare” family day from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Visitors will enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating and spooky activities for all ages at this free event.

The National Air and Space Museum’s “STEM in 30” program will broadcast its next episode Sept. 27 with an astronaut on board the International Space Station. A group of students at the museum will have the opportunity to speak with NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik through a live downlink as he orbits 250 miles above Earth. Classrooms around the country can watch the live broadcast at 12:15 p.m. on the museum’s website and NASA TV. This event is part of “ISS Science,” a collaboration between the museum and NASA to provide educational videos and lesson plans for students and teachers.