Science demonstrations are interactive shows that combine staff-led demonstrations and hands-on activities. These presentations last approximately 15-25 minutes and include live experiments, authentic museum artifacts, and engaging content covering a variety of STEM themes.

Demonstrations are available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually.

Drop In Science Demonstrations

Drop In Science Demonstrations are offered regularly on the Museum floor. These program topics vary and do not require a reservation to participate.

Drop In Science Demonstrations are offered at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 

Drop In Program Schedule

  • National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC: 1:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA: 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Reserved Science Demonstrations

Reserve a unique museum experience for your students to learn from an Explainer, one of the National Air and Space Museum’s young adult educators.

Reserved Science Demonstrations are offered at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually.

Reserved programs are intended for school groups, homeschool groups, and community-based organizations serving youth that meet the minimum program requirements. If you have questions about your organization’s programming needs that don’t meet our program requirements, please contact NASMTours@si.edu

  • Onsite programs are available for a minimum group size of 10 and a maximum group size of 30 participants.
  • Virtual programs are available for a minimum group size of 10 and a maximum group size of 50 participants.

Reserved Program Availability

  • National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC: 10:30 am on Mondays and Thursdays
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA: 11:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  • Virtual: 1:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

If you would like to inquire about an alternative program start time please contact the Tours and Reservations Office at NASMTours@si.edu

Available Demonstrations

Forces of Flight

How do lift, weight, drag, and thrust affect everything flying in Earth's atmosphere and in space? Visitors will learn what a force is, test their strength against air pressure, explore Bernoulli's principle, and investigate different forms of propulsion. Visitors will discover how things fly while experimenting with the four forces of flight. Forces of Flight is adaptable for grades 3-12. Be sure to select the appropriate grade level within your registration.

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually. 

Reserve this Demonstration

Living and Working in Space

What’s it like to live and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS)? What do astronauts wear on spacewalks and how is day-to-day life different in the hazardous environment of space? Visitors will discover real-world artifacts from life aboard the ISS; watch experiments that demonstrate how space affects the human body; and discuss the innovations that allow humans to adapt to life outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Living & Working in Space is adaptable for grades 3-12. Be sure to select the appropriate grade level within your registration.

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually. 

 

Reserve this Demonstration

Paper Airplane Contest

How do you control an airplane? Explore the concept of stability while making and test flying a simple paper airplane. Use weight to balance your paper airplane and compete against other visitors for the coveted title of “Top Gun” and a special prize. No experience necessary! All materials provided. 

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 
Not available virtually.

Reserve this Demonstration

On Demand Demonstrations

Want to engage with our content on your schedule?  Discover the wonders of aviation and space anytime, anywhere, with our on-demand Forces of Flight videos. 

Watch How Things Fly Playlist on YouTube

The Explainers Program is made possible by the generous support of RTX.

Science demonstrations are interactive shows that combine staff-led demonstrations and hands-on activities. These presentations last approximately 15-25 minutes and include live experiments, authentic museum artifacts, and engaging content covering a variety of STEM themes.

Demonstrations are available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually.

Drop In Science Demonstrations

Drop In Science Demonstrations are offered regularly on the Museum floor. These program topics vary and do not require a reservation to participate.

Drop In Science Demonstrations are offered at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 

Drop In Program Schedule

  • National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC: 1:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA: 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays

Reserved Science Demonstrations

Reserve a unique museum experience for your students to learn from an Explainer, one of the National Air and Space Museum’s young adult educators.

Reserved Science Demonstrations are offered at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually.

Reserved programs are intended for school groups, homeschool groups, and community-based organizations serving youth that meet the minimum program requirements. If you have questions about your organization’s programming needs that don’t meet our program requirements, please contact NASMTours@si.edu

  • Onsite programs are available for a minimum group size of 10 and a maximum group size of 30 participants.
  • Virtual programs are available for a minimum group size of 10 and a maximum group size of 50 participants.

Reserved Program Availability

  • National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC: 10:30 am on Mondays and Thursdays
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA: 11:30 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
  • Virtual: 1:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays

If you would like to inquire about an alternative program start time please contact the Tours and Reservations Office at NASMTours@si.edu

Available Demonstrations

Forces of Flight

How do lift, weight, drag, and thrust affect everything flying in Earth's atmosphere and in space? Visitors will learn what a force is, test their strength against air pressure, explore Bernoulli's principle, and investigate different forms of propulsion. Visitors will discover how things fly while experimenting with the four forces of flight. Forces of Flight is adaptable for grades 3-12. Be sure to select the appropriate grade level within your registration.

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually. 

Reserve this Demonstration

Living and Working in Space

What’s it like to live and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS)? What do astronauts wear on spacewalks and how is day-to-day life different in the hazardous environment of space? Visitors will discover real-world artifacts from life aboard the ISS; watch experiments that demonstrate how space affects the human body; and discuss the innovations that allow humans to adapt to life outside of Earth’s atmosphere. Living & Working in Space is adaptable for grades 3-12. Be sure to select the appropriate grade level within your registration.

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, and virtually. 

 

Reserve this Demonstration

Paper Airplane Contest

How do you control an airplane? Explore the concept of stability while making and test flying a simple paper airplane. Use weight to balance your paper airplane and compete against other visitors for the coveted title of “Top Gun” and a special prize. No experience necessary! All materials provided. 

Available at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 
Not available virtually.

Reserve this Demonstration

On Demand Demonstrations

Want to engage with our content on your schedule?  Discover the wonders of aviation and space anytime, anywhere, with our on-demand Forces of Flight videos. 

Watch How Things Fly Playlist on YouTube

The Explainers Program is made possible by the generous support of RTX.