We also feature games, activities and documentary clips from some of our cool partner organizations, like NASA! Check back daily to see what new and exciting online educational resources for kids and families we have added. You can also join the conversation on social media, which is linked at the bottom of the page. Looking for some extra learning activities you can do at home?
This is the story of how some hungry Marines used a Corsair aircraft to make ice cream!
viewAmy shows us how to make ice cream using the power of liquid nitrogen!
viewWhat's the deal with those loud BEEPS in old NASA footage?
viewWhere exactly is space?
viewMika shows a fun experiment that shows that air has mass!
viewMake your own magnet in this fun experiment!
viewWARNING - YOU MIGHT FIND THIS GROSS Doc and Karn cut into a cow eye and explain how it works!
viewKarn explains what Polymers are, and where we can find them!
viewKarn explains how NASA is looking for signs on Martian life!
viewCheck out aviation's first machine gun!
viewKevin walks us through the story of the Princess Mary Christmas Gift Box, a Christmas present delivered to those serving with for the British during WW1.
viewKarn teaches us about the science behind snowflakes!
viewWe look at one of the first jet engines produced by the USA and hear a fun local story about it!
viewWe take a look at an Apollo 17 artifact from the Air Zoo Collection.
viewWe take to the skies in a WW2 Bomber!
viewWe find out the difference between different types of Space travellers!
viewIt could be argued that no combat aircraft had a bigger impact on the world than the MiG-15. We take a look at this legendary aircraft.
viewWe take a look at a historic pre-war biplane!
viewWe talk about the RAT onboard of every F-8 Crusader and the small propellers on other aircraft in the collections.
viewWe take a look at an Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator used by the US Navy.
viewWe take a look at some of the food, drink and medical supplies Apollo astronauts were issued.
viewMonsters are real!
viewJoin Natalie in our scary science lab as she concocts another scary experiment for you to try at home!
viewWe get 'ooey and gooey' making Pumpkin Slime!
viewWe show you how to make Monster Eyeballs from some household items!
viewTravis teaches us Aircraft Marshalling Signals!
viewThe Vought F-8 Crusader is one of the more unique aircraft in the history of the United States Military.
viewWe look at the SR-71's super special tires!
viewWhile restoring the F117 Nighthawk, we've come to really appreciate the mind-blowing design used to make it stealthy. We take a look at the key features of the aircraft that made it possible.
viewThe Air Zoo might have rocket engines and spacecraft to visit the stars, but only a little red drone has made a star!
viewHow did the V-1 Buzzbomb work? We get into the deadly details of this early cruise missile.
viewJoin Natalie as she uses art and science to make marbled paper!
viewAir Zoo docent Doc gives us a walkaround tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard.
viewTwo doors, an engine behind the cockpit, and a tricycle undercarriage are just some of the 'quirks' that make the P-39 Airacobra such a fascinating aircraft.
viewAir Zoo Docent Doc gives us an in-depth 360° tour of the majestic Grumman G-73 Mallard
viewHow well do you know your SR-71 ABCs?
viewTowards the end of WW2, the Nazis unleashed some of their most terrifying weapons yet, the V-Weapons. Air Zoo Docent, Kevin gives us an overview of these deadly weapons that changed war forever.
viewAir Zoo Docent Doc gives us a tour of the incredible Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
viewWe take a look at one of the LOUDER items in the Air Zoo collection.
viewWe take a look at the C-47 that led the D Day invasion, "That's All, Brother".
viewJohn, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the SBD Dauntless.
viewAir Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, shows the processes and tools used in restoring an FM2 Wildcat.
viewWith a life that spanned some of the most vital yeas of aviation history, Pancho Barnes had one remarkable life.
viewKevin, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the Saturn V rocket engines. These are the very engines that powered the Apollo missions to the moon! The Saturn v rocket used 5 Rocketdyne F-1 engines and 6 Rocketdyne J-2 engines.
viewAir Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, shows the processes and tools used in restoring an FM-2 Wildcat. After sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years, this FM-2 Wildcat is finally being restored to its former glory!
viewAir Zoo Docent, John, provides an overview of the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat. Commonly referred to as an "ace-maker," over 300 pilots became aces in a Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat. After WWII, the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat was the first aircraft to be used by the Blue Angels, the Navy's flight demonstration team.
viewDenny, Air Zoo restoration volunteer, shows the various parts that have been primed and are ready for paint. Once the entire plane is painted, these parts will go into the final Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2P assembly.
viewDenny, describes the restoration process and provides an overview of this Douglas SBD-2P 2173. Recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan in 2009, this aircraft is deemed a national treasure and has plans to be returned to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
viewKevin, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview and history of the Continental built, Rolls Royce Merlin engine. Continental was a manufacturer in Muskegon, MI and was contracted to produce additional Merlin engines. Peace was declared in Europe shortly after Continental's production began.
viewJohn, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the USS Wolverine, a former Lake Michigan excursion boat. The USS Wolverine, along with the USS Sable, was purchased by the US Navy and revamped into aircraft carriers. These became the only paddle-based aircraft carriers in the US Navy.
viewSpring is springing! Air Zoo Science Educator, Karn, provides information to help identify commonly encountered birds during the spring and summer. Learn more about the featured birds at The Cornell Lab: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/
viewIn 2016, the Air Zoo received the one-of-a-kind SBD-2P. This aircraft served in WWII at Pearl Harbor and fought in The Battle of the Coral Sea. Troy Thrash, Air Zoo's President & CEO gives an inside tour of the Air Zoo's new paint booth facility which opened in January 2020 and talks about this exclusive aircraft.
viewAir Zoo restoration volunteer, Dennis, describes the process of restoring an FM2 Wildcat oil tank. After sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years, the oil tank dented and collapsed. With a little patience and a lot of skill, Dennis restored the oil tank to its former glory.
viewAir Zoo Docent, Kevin, provides an overview of the Sopwith Camel. Also known as the "King of Combat," the Sopwith Camel was a ray of hope for the Royal Flying Corps in World War I.
viewAir Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, explains some of the unique challenges faced restoring this FM2 Wildcat which sat at the bottom of Lake Michigan for 68 years!
viewTake a look at a real moon rock! Air Zoo Docent, Kevin, explains this moon rock's retrieval from the 1971 Apollo 15 mission.
viewWhat do George Washington Carver, bacteria, and St. Patrick's Day have in common? Air Zoo science educator, Karn, is here to answer that question and show you how to make your own origami four leaf clover for St. Patrick's day!
viewLearn about the paint scheme of Sue Parish's Pink P-40 Warhawk, hanging in the lobby of the Air Zoo.
viewMake rocket fuel at home with one of our out-of-this-world educators, Erin, as she teaches you how to build a reusable baking soda bottle rocket!
viewBiology, coding and origami has never been more fun! Learn about DNA coding with Air Zoo educator Karn, and even learn to write the initials of your name.
viewCheck out this innovative aircraft which made its debut in 1926 and changed the way US mail was delivered.
viewDid you know the Air Zoo's Restoration Team restored this 100 year old biplane hybrid reproduction? Learn more about its history now!
viewSome choose to fight boredom with puzzles, but others choose to build aircrafts. This aircraft kit resembles a WWI Fighter and kept its former owner, Don, busy during his retirement days.
viewJoin Michael for a very quick virtual tour to learn some fun facts about a variety of artifacts inside the Air Zoo!
viewThis Gemini boilerplate aided Nasa scientist in their race to space during the 1950s. How did we get it?
viewDid you know we have new airplanes to visit between our two centers? Stop by and say hello if you are out and about!
viewAlways wanted to know more about the aircraft that grace the front the Air Zoo? Then this 60 second, scenic, outdoor Air Zoo tour is for you!
viewThis 1954 futuristic rocket once traveled the country promoting the popular sci-fi tv show! Now it's at the Air Zoo.
viewFollow along with Air Zoo educator Karn, as she shows you some cool chemistry using everyday things like iodine and apple juice!
viewCheck out this in-air refueling of an SR-71 being flown by one of our friends, SR pilot, BC Thomas. Can you imagine refueling in the air?
viewHave you seen the 1970 film "Tora! Tora! Tora!"? One of our docents got to see it from a different point of view during his time in Pearl Harbor.
viewExplore space, all from your own backyard! Join Erin as she walks you through a free app that will let you explore the stars and beyond!
viewThis versatile and affordable helicopter design was sought after the U.S. Military during the late 40's and early 50s.
viewFeeling a bit stuck and wanting to plan your next adventure? Well if you decide to go to the moon we have you covered.
viewLet's join Natalie as she takes us step by step through making our own kites for high-flying fun this spring!
viewAndrew Woodstock's watercolor and graphite artwork was inspired by the brave Tuskegee Airmen. Learn the story behind the art.
viewDo you know the science behind making music? Let's join Air Zoo educator Matt, and learn what makes music!
viewMore than 100 years of flight depicted in the world's largest indoor, hand-painted mural - at the Air Zoo!
viewLet's spread some love and beauty. Join us as we celebrate community, it is easy (and fun) to get involved! #AirZooArt
viewExplore solar/shadow science with us and learn how you can use the sun to tell time.
viewOne of 11,000 BT-13 Valiants produced in WWII made a very special journey for one of our Air Zoo Families for their 1951 Christmas. Let's hear Dolly's story now.
viewOur story starts with me [Brandon Gonzales] standing in a hangar. A really big hangar. Actually, it’s more like a movie set. A movie set, with rides, and an F-14 and an SR-71, but they’re not props though, they’re real…
viewEver wondered why your shadow is a shape shifter, or why it is night time here when it is daytime somewhere else? Karn has some shadow science basics for you.
viewWant to watch Erin do some fun tricks with dry ice? We thought so, enjoy!
viewLearn about this high-flying Disney gremlin Fifinella and her ties to the Air Zoo's co-founder, Sue Parish!
viewCelebrate Earth Day this year with an informative story told by our very own Air Zoo Education Manager, Kathy! Let's work hard to care for our planet!
viewGet the scoop on how the only remaining, and experimental, XP-55 Ascender "landed" at the Air Zoo.
viewWell, maybe not a master, but let Air Zoo Educator and yo-yo guru, Alex, show you the basics to work on at home.
view5-4-3-2-1...Blast off! What is it like to be an astronaut going to the moon? Join Troy as he reads a story called, "On the Moon". It is an out-of-this-world adventure!
viewJoin us to discover how the Air Zoo's talented restoration team tackles this complex restoration, it spent 68 years on the bottom of Lake Michigan, with their one-of-a-kind invention.
viewWhat do the Statue of Liberty, the planet Mars, and a penny have in common?
viewMeet a local Allegan hero and Tuskegee Airmen. Objects, on loan from his granddaughter, help to tell his fascinating story.
viewJoin Jada as she takes you on a journey. A cow's journey - of flight!?!
viewFun Easter Activities and fun for families from our friends at Gift of Curiosity. Check them out and get ready for Sunday!
viewNatalie will help you build your own unique mazes with materials you have lying around! How creative can you get?
viewDo you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Let's see as Troy takes us through the handbook in front of the Air Zoo's ISS training exhibit.
viewDo you know the history behind the German Lutwaffe's V-1 Flying Bomb? And how did it navigate without a pilot?
viewGo outside and listen for native Michigan bird calls with Air Zoo science educator, Karn. These are some of the songs and calls in each bird’s musical vocabulary.
viewWe have an out-of-this-world project for you today. Make your own rockets at home with Alex!
viewMichael shares some cool facts and history about our F-14 Tomcat!
viewJoin Katie and Emmett as they narrate one of their favorite books in celebration of International Children's Book Day!
viewJoin Air Zoo educator, Natalie, as she shows you how to do coffee filter ink chromatography at home, using simple supplies!
viewJoin Jada as she takes you on an exciting adventure. This novel written by Steve Breen is sure to fly right into your heart.
viewLearn how the Air Zoo gets aircraft to restore and what some of the process looks like!
viewHave you heard of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo? Learn more about the raid, and local hero Jack Sims with Quinton.
viewNeed something fun and educational to do today? Kathy will teach you how to make lava lamps with household ingredients!
viewHey kiddos! Prepare for take off with Troy as he reads "Airplane Flight! A Lift-the-Flap-Adventure" from the cockpit of our T-28 Trojan.
viewDid you know historic Kalamazoo icons like Gibson Guitar and Shakespeares played a role in building this glider in WWII? David will share the story with you and the role it played on D-Day.
viewLooking for something fun to do? Follow along with Erin, as she shows you a unique way to defy the laws of nature - at home!
viewWe are excited to launch our first story-time video! You are sure to love this engaging story of Ada, a young budding scientist, narrated by the Air Zoo's President & CEO, Troy Thrash.
viewEver wondered what DNA looks like, or what it actually does for a living thing? Join Karn and see it for yourself!
viewCheck out one of Troy's favorite artifacts as he and Christy reveal the significance of the Air Zoo's Moon map!
viewJoin Michael as he shares some interesting facts about our co-founder's aircraft!
viewDid you know that dry ice is a solid gas... and that it forms at −109.3 °F?!? Want to see some cool things you can do with it at home? Well, check this out!
viewWhat exactly is Launchpad to Learning? Well let our innovative leader, Troy Thrash, tell you all about it. We look forward to seeing you (digitally speaking) each day as we post new educational activities and videos for you to enjoy during your time at home!
view
HowToSmile.org
A database of at-home learning activities for kids uploaded by hundreds of museums and science centers around the world.
Eduporium.com
Online STEAM activities students can do at home.
sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments
Fun and easy at-home science experiment videos and instructions.
West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA)
Brings you digital jigsaw puzzles to keep you busy, with images from our West Michigan attractions, including the Air Zoo!
Grand Rapids Kids (GRKids.com)
Check out their Michigan Family Travel Guide - Armchair Edition, for fun online activities for families to keep your minds wandering while your bodies can't.
EXPLORLABS
UL Xplorlabs is a free STEM based educational platform designed to encourage students to “solve through science.” It is especially focused on engaging middle-school students during a time in their educational lives when interest in science is shown to decrease dramatically, through interactive videos, instructional experiences, hands-on classroom activities and creative classroom challenges.
Crossword Puzzles!
Astronomy Crossword - Answer Key
Anatomy of the Eye - Answer Key
Electricity (Elementary Age) - Answer Key
Electricity (High School Age) - Answer Key
Mathematics
Skip Counting & Missing Numbers Fun
Special thanks to our Launchpad to Learning Sponsor!