Welcome to
Launchpad to Learning!

Online Activities to keep you and your kids entertained (and learning)

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?

PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES

Artifacts

RATs & Small Propellers

11/16/2021

We talk about the RAT onboard of every F-8 Crusader and the small propellers on other aircraft in the collections.

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Artifacts

Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator

11/15/2021

We take a look at an Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator used by the US Navy.

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NASA

Astronaut Stuff

11/05/2021

We take a look at some of the food, drink and medical supplies Apollo astronauts were issued.

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STEAM Education

Real-life Monsters!

10/25/2021

Monsters are real!

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STEAM Education

Expanding Ghost Experiment

10/25/2021

Join Natalie in our scary science lab as she concocts another scary experiment for you to try at home!

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STEAM Education

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Slime

10/25/2021

We get 'ooey and gooey' making Pumpkin Slime!

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STEAM Education

Eggy Monster Eyes!

10/25/2021

We show you how to make Monster Eyeballs from some household items!

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STEAM Education

Aircraft Marshalling Signals

10/21/2021

Travis teaches us Aircraft Marshalling Signals!

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Artifacts

F-8 Crusader: The Last of the Gunfighters

10/18/2021

The Vought F-8 Crusader is one of the more unique aircraft in the history of the United States Military.

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Artifacts

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird's METAL tires!

10/14/2021

We look at the SR-71's super special tires!

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Artifacts

What makes the F117 Nighthawk so stealthy?

10/11/2021

While 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.

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Artifacts

Radioplane OQ-2: The Little Red Drone that made a star!

10/05/2021

The Air Zoo might have rocket engines and spacecraft to visit the stars, but only a little red drone has made a star!

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Artifacts

V-1 Buzzbomb

09/30/2021

How did the V-1 Buzzbomb work? We get into the deadly details of this early cruise missile.

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Science Experiment

Making Marbled Paper

09/22/2021

Join Natalie as she uses art and science to make marbled paper!

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Tours

Checking out the Grumman Mallard

09/20/2021

Air Zoo docent Doc gives us a walkaround tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard.

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Artifacts

Bell P-39 Airacobra

09/10/2021

Two 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.

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Tours

360° Tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard

09/01/2021

Air Zoo Docent Doc gives us an in-depth 360° tour of the majestic Grumman G-73 Mallard

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Artifacts

SR-71 ABCs

08/31/2021

How well do you know your SR-71 ABCs?

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Artifacts

V is for Vengeance

08/24/2021

Towards 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.

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Tours

B-17 Flying Fortress Tour

08/20/2021

Air Zoo Docent Doc gives us a tour of the incredible Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.

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Artifacts

WW2 Hand Air Raid Siren

08/17/2021

We take a look at one of the LOUDER items in the Air Zoo collection.

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Artifacts

A look at the C-47 that led D-Day

08/03/2021

We take a look at the C-47 that led the D Day invasion, "That's All, Brother".

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Tours

An Overview of the SBD Dauntless

07/29/2021

John, an Air Zoo Docent, provides an overview of the SBD Dauntless.

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Restoration

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 4

07/27/2021

Air Zoo restoration volunteer, Phil, shows the processes and tools used in restoring an FM2 Wildcat.

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Pancho Barnes: Aviatrix, Organizer, Legend.

07/23/2021

With a life that spanned some of the most vital yeas of aviation history, Pancho Barnes had one remarkable life.

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Artifacts

An Overview of the Saturn V Rocket Engines

06/30/2021

Kevin, 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.

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Restoration

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 3

06/09/2021

Air 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!

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Artifacts

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

06/07/2021

Air 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.

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Restoration

Painting Parts for a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2

05/19/2021

Denny, 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.

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Restoration

Restoring a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2P

05/12/2021

Denny, 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.

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Artifacts

Continental Built Rolls Royce Merlin Engine

05/06/2021

Kevin, 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.

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Artifacts

An Overview of the USS Wolverine

04/27/2021

John, 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.

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STEAM Education

Spring Bird Songs

04/22/2021

Spring 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/

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Restoration

Restoration of the SBD-2P

04/16/2021

In 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.

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Restoration

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Oil Tank

04/15/2021

Air 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.

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Artifacts

An Overview of the Sopwith Camel

04/09/2021

Air 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.

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Restoration

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Part 1

04/07/2021

Air 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!

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Artifacts

A piece of the Great Scott Lunar Sample

03/31/2021

Take a look at a real moon rock! Air Zoo Docent, Kevin, explains this moon rock's retrieval from the 1971 Apollo 15 mission.

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STEAM Education

Four Leaf Clover Origami Activity - St. Patrick's Day

03/17/2021

What 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!

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Artifacts

The P-40 Paint Scheme

10/18/2020

Learn about the paint scheme of Sue Parish's Pink P-40 Warhawk, hanging in the lobby of the Air Zoo.

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Science Experiment

Baking Soda Bottle Rocket

10/16/2020

Make 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!

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STEAM Education

Write Your Initials in DNA Code!

07/29/2020

Biology, 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.

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Artifacts

The Ford Tri-Motor

07/27/2020

Check out this innovative aircraft which made its debut in 1926 and changed the way US mail was delivered.

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Artifacts

The Sopwith Camel

06/29/2020

Did you know the Air Zoo's Restoration Team restored this 100 year old biplane hybrid reproduction? Learn more about its history now!

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Artifacts

A True Boredom Fighter

06/18/2020

Some 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.

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Tours

14 Fun Facts

06/15/2020

Join Michael for a very quick virtual tour to learn some fun facts about a variety of artifacts inside the Air Zoo!

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Artifacts

El Kabong I

05/26/2020

This Gemini boilerplate aided Nasa scientist in their race to space during the 1950s. How did we get it?

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Tours

Walk Among Our Giants - Outside!

05/22/2020

Did you know we have new airplanes to visit between our two centers? Stop by and say hello if you are out and about!

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Tours

Our Aircraft Welcome You

05/21/2020

Always 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!

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Artifacts

The Bread Rocket

05/19/2020

This 1954 futuristic rocket once traveled the country promoting the popular sci-fi tv show! Now it's at the Air Zoo.

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STEAM Education

A Chemistry Clock

05/18/2020

Follow along with Air Zoo educator Karn, as she shows you some cool chemistry using everyday things like iodine and apple juice!

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Artifacts

SR-71 Blackbird Refueling

05/15/2020

Check 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?

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Story Time

Behind the Scenes at Pearl Harbor

05/14/2020

Have 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.

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STEAM Education

Star Gaze from Anywhere!

05/13/2020

Explore 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!

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Artifacts

Our Hiller Helicopter

05/12/2020

This versatile and affordable helicopter design was sought after the U.S. Military during the late 40's and early 50s.

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Story Time

If You Decide To Go To The Moon

05/11/2020

Feeling a bit stuck and wanting to plan your next adventure? Well if you decide to go to the moon we have you covered.

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STEAM Education

DIY Kites

05/08/2020

Let's join Natalie as she takes us step by step through making our own kites for high-flying fun this spring!

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Artifacts

The Tuskegee Airmen Painting at the Air Zoo

05/07/2020

Andrew Woodstock's watercolor and graphite artwork was inspired by the brave Tuskegee Airmen. Learn the story behind the art.

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STEAM Education

The Science of Music

05/06/2020

Do you know the science behind making music? Let's join Air Zoo educator Matt, and learn what makes music!

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Tours

The Biggest Hand-Painted Mural in the World!

05/05/2020

More than 100 years of flight depicted in the world's largest indoor, hand-painted mural - at the Air Zoo!

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STEAM Education

Color Your Community - Happy!

05/01/2020

Let's spread some love and beauty. Join us as we celebrate community, it is easy (and fun) to get involved! #AirZooArt

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STEAM Education

Making Sundials

04/30/2020

Explore solar/shadow science with us and learn how you can use the sun to tell time.

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Artifacts

A BT-13 Christmas Story

04/29/2020

One 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.

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Podcasts

Air Zoo's Spy-posium - Episode 061

04/28/2020

Our 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…

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STEAM Education

Shadow Science - Part 1

04/27/2020

Ever 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.

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STEAM Education

Dry Ice Cannons

04/24/2020

Want to watch Erin do some fun tricks with dry ice? We thought so, enjoy!

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Artifacts

Fifi - the Flying Gremlin

04/23/2020

Learn about this high-flying Disney gremlin Fifinella and her ties to the Air Zoo's co-founder, Sue Parish!

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Story Time

Trash and Recycling - Earth Day

04/22/2020

Celebrate 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!

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Artifacts

A One-of-a-kind at the Air Zoo!

04/21/2020

Get the scoop on how the only remaining, and experimental, XP-55 Ascender "landed" at the Air Zoo.

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STEAM Education

Be a Yo-Yo Master

04/20/2020

Well, maybe not a master, but let Air Zoo Educator and yo-yo guru, Alex, show you the basics to work on at home.

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Story Time

On the Moon

04/17/2020

5-4-3-2-1...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!

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Restoration

Restoring the FM-2 Wildcat

04/16/2020

Join 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.

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STEAM Education

Penny Chemistry

04/15/2020

What do the Statue of Liberty, the planet Mars, and a penny have in common?

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Artifacts

On Exhibit - Clare Chandler

04/14/2020

Meet a local Allegan hero and Tuskegee Airmen. Objects, on loan from his granddaughter, help to tell his fascinating story.

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Story Time

Can Cows Fly?

04/13/2020

Join Jada as she takes you on a journey. A cow's journey - of flight!?!

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STEAM Education

Eggciting Activities for Easter!

04/10/2020

Fun Easter Activities and fun for families from our friends at Gift of Curiosity. Check them out and get ready for Sunday!

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STEAM Education

DIY Mazes

04/09/2020

Natalie will help you build your own unique mazes with materials you have lying around! How creative can you get?

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Story Time

The Astronaut Handbook

04/07/2020

Do 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.

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Artifacts

V-1 Flying Bomb

04/06/2020

Do you know the history behind the German Lutwaffe's V-1 Flying Bomb? And how did it navigate without a pilot?

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STEAM Education

Bird Calls

04/05/2020

Go 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.

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STEAM Education

Let's Make Rockets!

04/04/2020

We have an out-of-this-world project for you today. Make your own rockets at home with Alex!

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Artifacts

Our Tomcat - in 60 Seconds!

04/03/2020

Michael shares some cool facts and history about our F-14 Tomcat!

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Story Time

International Children's Book Day

04/02/2020

Join Katie and Emmett as they narrate one of their favorite books in celebration of International Children's Book Day!

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STEAM Education

Chromatography Fun at Home!

04/01/2020

Join Air Zoo educator, Natalie, as she shows you how to do coffee filter ink chromatography at home, using simple supplies!

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Story Time

Violet the Pilot

03/31/2020

Join Jada as she takes you on an exciting adventure. This novel written by Steve Breen is sure to fly right into your heart.

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Restoration

Restoration at the Air Zoo

03/30/2020

Learn how the Air Zoo gets aircraft to restore and what some of the process looks like!

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Artifacts

A Local Connection - Jack Sims

03/29/2020

Have you heard of the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo? Learn more about the raid, and local hero Jack Sims with Quinton.

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STEAM Education

Make Lava Lamps @ Home!

03/28/2020

Need something fun and educational to do today? Kathy will teach you how to make lava lamps with household ingredients!

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Story Time

An Airplane Adventure - from the T-28 Cockpit!

03/27/2020

Hey 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.

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Artifacts

Meet the WACO CG-4A Glider!

03/26/2020

Did 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.

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STEAM Education

Defying the Laws of Nature @ Home!

03/25/2020

Looking for something fun to do? Follow along with Erin, as she shows you a unique way to defy the laws of nature - at home!

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Story Time

Ada Twist, Scientist

03/24/2020

We 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.

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STEAM Education

Extracting Strawberry DNA!

03/23/2020

Ever wondered what DNA looks like, or what it actually does for a living thing? Join Karn and see it for yourself!

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Artifacts

Apollo Missions - Lunar Landings

03/22/2020

Check out one of Troy's favorite artifacts as he and Christy reveal the significance of the Air Zoo's Moon map!

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Artifacts

Meet the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair

03/21/2020

Join Michael as he shares some interesting facts about our co-founder's aircraft!

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STEAM Education

Fun with Dry Ice!

03/20/2020

Did 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!

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Tours

Welcome to Launchpad to Learning

03/19/2020

What 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!

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More online activities for kids and families!

Partner Links

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.

Air Zoo Extras!

Crossword Puzzles!

Astronomy Crossword - Answer Key

Earth Science - Answer Key

Anatomy of the Eye - Answer Key

Electricity (Elementary Age) - Answer Key

Electricity (High School Age) - Answer Key

Flowering Plants - Answer Key

Insect Biology - Answer Key

Mathematics

Mathematics Coloring

Color Mathmagic

Mathematics Drill Ninja

Aerospace Counting Sheets

Exploring Your Five Senses

Number Lines

Skip Counting & Missing Numbers Fun

K-W-L Chart

Special thanks to our Launchpad to Learning Sponsor!

Welcome to Launchpad to Learning!

Online Activities to keep you and your kids entertained (and learning)

RATs & Small Propellers

Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator

Astronaut Stuff

Real-life Monsters!

Expanding Ghost Experiment

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Slime

Eggy Monster Eyes!

Aircraft Marshalling Signals

F-8 Crusader: The Last of the Gunfighters

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird's METAL tires!

What makes the F117 Nighthawk so stealthy?

Radioplane OQ-2: The Little Red Drone that made a star!

V-1 Buzzbomb

Making Marbled Paper

Checking out the Grumman Mallard

Bell P-39 Airacobra

360° Tour of the Grumman G-73 Mallard

SR-71 ABCs

V is for Vengeance

B-17 Flying Fortress Tour

WW2 Hand Air Raid Siren

A look at the C-47 that led D-Day

An Overview of the SBD Dauntless

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 4

Pancho Barnes: Aviatrix, Organizer, Legend.

An Overview of the Saturn V Rocket Engines

Restoring an FM-2 Wildcat - Part 3

Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat

Painting Parts for a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2

Restoring a Douglas Dauntless Dive-Bomber SBD-2P

Continental Built Rolls Royce Merlin Engine

An Overview of the USS Wolverine

Spring Bird Songs

Restoration of the SBD-2P

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Oil Tank

An Overview of the Sopwith Camel

Restoring an FM2 Wildcat - Part 1

A piece of the Great Scott Lunar Sample

Four Leaf Clover Origami Activity - St. Patrick's Day

The P-40 Paint Scheme

Baking Soda Bottle Rocket

Write Your Initials in DNA Code!

The Ford Tri-Motor

The Sopwith Camel

A True Boredom Fighter

14 Fun Facts

El Kabong I

Walk Among Our Giants - Outside!

Our Aircraft Welcome You

The Bread Rocket

A Chemistry Clock

SR-71 Blackbird Refueling

Behind the Scenes at Pearl Harbor

Star Gaze from Anywhere!

Our Hiller Helicopter

If You Decide To Go To The Moon

DIY Kites

The Tuskegee Airmen Painting at the Air Zoo

The Science of Music

The Biggest Hand-Painted Mural in the World!

Color Your Community - Happy!

Making Sundials

A BT-13 Christmas Story

Air Zoo's Spy-posium - Episode 061

Shadow Science - Part 1

Dry Ice Cannons

Fifi - the Flying Gremlin

Trash and Recycling - Earth Day

A One-of-a-kind at the Air Zoo!

Be a Yo-Yo Master

On the Moon

Restoring the FM-2 Wildcat

Penny Chemistry

On Exhibit - Clare Chandler

Can Cows Fly?

Eggciting Activities for Easter!

DIY Mazes

The Astronaut Handbook

Welcome to
Launchpad to Learning!