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Field Trips

Inspire Your PreK - 12th Grade Students!

Air Zoo Education & Field Trips


ONSITE PROGRAMMING

The Air Zoo's world-class education team focuses on creating affordable and interactive educational programs that not only fulfill multiple educational standards, but also stimulate and engage each student, inspiring learners to continue their personal exploration of science long after the program s conclusion.

All Air Zoo education programs are developed by certified Michigan teachers who utilize a unique approach of combining dynamic lesson plans and hands-on activities with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Designed to fulfill Common Core requirements, including Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Air Zoo s programs strive to encourage a student's innate curiosity while instilling the fundamental scientific, technological, engineering, artistic, and mathematical (STEAM) tools needed for success in today's world.  Book a field trip today - Simply submit the form at the bottom of this page!
 

AT YOUR SITE

The Air Zoo's education team can also bring these amazing programs to your community. Our educators can travel to your location and conduct the same interactive, fun, and engaging programs normally offered on-site at the Air Zoo. This option is a fun and exciting way to supplement current lessons, or can be used as a reward to motivate students toward an important goal.

With financial assistance available through the Air Zoo s Science Inspiration Scholarship Fund, the world of STEAM education is now accessible to more children, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Students are sure to have an unforgettable experience with the Air Zoo s educational programs!


Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants are available!

The Air Zoo has funding options that may allow your class to attend a program at the Air Zoo, or host an Air Zoo educational outreach at your own educational space, for FREE! To apply, download a scholarship application. For more information or to book your group Air Zoo experience, contact the Air Zoo's Event Sales team at 269.350.2848 or events@airzoo.org.

The Air Zoo Science Inspiration Fund is made possible in part by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation, the Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation, and generous support from corporations and individuals.

You have options! Experience the Air Zoo's education programs at our location (6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI) or at yours. Our Education Team can come directly to you!

Download our Education Program Guide today!

Let your students be a part of living history!

Educational Tours

Innovations in Aviation

Through this tour, students will be introduced to significant aviation innovations from a select era. Eras can include Early Flight, World War I, the Golden Age, World War II, or the Jet Age. For each era, aircraft will be highlighted that reflect the innovations and contributions that expanded humans' mastery of flight.

$2/Student |  30 Minutes
Recommended for 3rd - 12th grade

Reaching for the Galaxy

Visitors explore how science has advanced from the age of Galileo to today's modern space travel. Investigate how the invention of the rocket has been used in both war and peace, experience the thrills of historic space programs, and explore life on the International Space Station (ISS).

$2/Student  |  30 Minutes
Recommended for 3rd - 12th grade

Planes that Won the Pacific War

On June 4, 1942, in the span of six minutes, American naval aviation altered the course of the war in the Pacific. How was that possible? This tour will introduce you to the Douglas Dauntless SBD-3, the U.S. Navy's most potent weapon; the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, known as "Whistling Death" to the Jpanese; the Grumman F6F Hellcat, master of the skies over the American fast carriers; and the General Motors FM-2 Wildcat, called the "Wilder Wildcat." Your class will come away with an understanding of the needs that produced these aircraft as well as their contributions to the final victory in the Pacific.

$2/Student  | 30 Minutes
Recommended for 6th - 12th grade

Supplemental Resources

Spotlight tours will focus on a single aircraft. These tours will put the subject aircraft into historical context, discuss at some length the aeronautical innovations present in the aircraft, the effects of those innovations on the aircraft’s intended use and will also detail the subject aircraft’s specific history. 

AIRCRAFT OPTIONS

Sopwith Camel F.1

• 5-AT-C Ford Tri-Motor

Republic P-47D-40 Thunderbolt

North American B-25 Mitchell

Grumman F-14A Tomcat

• Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird
 

Find more resources in our Launchpad to Learning!

FREE resources to accompany your lessons and visits!
Recommended for 3rd - 12th grade

Pricing for programs listed above is in addition to $8.00 admission per student, which gives them access to all exhibits and rides.* 

*Please note that some Air Zoo rides and attractions have height and weight restrictions.. Please see Plan Your Visit for up-to-date policy information. 


OUTREACH
Our educators can also bring many programs to your location and conduct the same interactive, fun, and engaging science programs normally offered on-site at the Air Zoo. This option is a fun and exciting way to supplement current lessons, or can be used as a reward to motivate students toward an important goal. Check out our selection of exciting Outreach programs and contact Group & Events to schedule yours today!

Need more info or want to discuss scheduling?  Simply submit the form below or contact our Group & Events Team at events@airzoo.org, or call 269.350.2848!  For program specific info, please contact our Education Team at education@airzoo.org.

Air Zoo's COVID Safety Policy:

•    We encourage all staff, volunteers, members, and guests, ages 2 and up, to wear masks.
•    CLASSROOM/CAMP MASK STATUS: Masks are not required at this time but are encouraged for those who feel comfortable wearing one.  

 

 

With financial assistance available through the Air Zoo s Science Inspiration Scholarship Fund, the world of STEAM education is now accessible to more children, regardless of socioeconomic status. Learn more!

Come visit us.