New Series: On Air

On Air is a series of short videos for grades 5-8 that connect students to incredible air and space-themed stories, objects, and careers. Each collection consists of four standards-aligned videos and includes classroom lesson plans and activities.

For fans of STEM in 30, this project brings you the same team you know—now in a shorter, classroom ready format.

4 Videos

  • What Happened at This Roswell Rocket Site?

    06:57 duration

    Discover the surprising Hollywood connection behind the earliest rocket experiments.

    Robert Goddard was an early rocket pioneer.  In this video learn about his hoop skirt rocket, visit the ranch where he launched his experimental rockets, and see a recreation of his workshop at the Roswell Art Museum.  You will also explore Goddard’s legacy in ways that you may not expect.

    Discussion Question 
    What’s the difference between a solid fuel rocket and a liquid fuel rocket?

    Classroom Activity 
    Bingo: Set of 10 separate student friendly bingo cards with words or phrases related to the video. 

  • What's Wrong With This Rocket?

    02:52 duration

    Was this rocket built upside down?

    Robert Goddard’s hoop skirt rocket was a first step in modern rocket, but why does it look so weird? In this video On Air hosts Marty and Beth, along with the help of Adam Savage, explore the different parts of this rocket and help you understand why it looks upside down.  

    Vocabulary  
    Thrust: The force that makes something move forward

    Classroom Activity  
    Try our Mad Libs for some classroom fun!

  • From Janitor’s Kid to NASA Leader

    04:00 duration

    Her parents cleaned the offices of rocket scientists, now she is one of the people shaping NASA missions.

    Rosa Avalos‑Warren rose from humble beginnings to become the Near Space Network’s Network Director for Robotics and Launch Vehicle Missions at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. In her role, she helps ensure vital communication between NASA and a wide range of spacecraft. In this video, she shares the story of her path, the challenges she overcame, and the determination that carried her into the world of space exploration.

  • We Built Rocket Engines… Out of Pasta?!

    08:17 duration

    What do pasta noodles have to do with rocket engines? More than you think—and this explosive hands-on demo will have your students begging for science class. 

    Join Marty and Beth from the National Air and Space Museum’s On Air series as they guide you through building a real hybrid rocket engine using everyday materials (yes, including uncooked pasta!). You’ll learn how to turn chemical reactions into an unforgettable STEM lesson, discover essential safety tips, and pick up clever classroom-tested strategies from four amazing teachers who share their top rocket‑themed activities. Plus, explore connecting lessons on Robert Goddard, quirky early rocket designs, and a real rocket scientist’s inspiring career path. If you’re ready to spark curiosity, launch deeper learning, and engage your students like never before—this video is your next mission. 🚀

    Lesson Plan

A thumbnail image of three middle-aged white people making excited faces. Behind them are two photographs of rockets. In front of them is the text "Learn about rockets!"

Preview: All About Rockets

In these videos, we’ll explore the history of rockets, the legacy of Robert Goddard, and how his experiments in rocketry ignited the public’s imagination.
 

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What Types of Videos to Expect

Setting the Scene

Give students an exciting introduction to a new topic.

Museum Connection

Take a close look at objects in the Smithsonian's collections. 

Career Paths

Meet unique people in interesting jobs discussing their pathway to success. 

Teacher Tips

Advice and best practices from real teachers for implementing exciting lessons.

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