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These exciting science-based programs are designed to support your STEAM curriculum with outstanding hands-on programs. These courses meet state standards for your classes' learning levels. Prepare for your programs and follow up to reinforce concepts with the pre- and post-lesson activities available on our website! Check out our offerings by grade below and contact our Group & Events team at events@airzoo.org or 269.350.2848 to schedule your class today!
We also have virtual options for those unable to visit!
View our Education Guide
• 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.
Fantastic Flying - $5
Discover how people learned to fly by studying birds and experimenting with kites, gliders, and planes! After comparing the shapes and functions of a bird’s body with an airplane, young aviators make their own take-home flying machines.
K-PS2-Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Ocean Kids - $5
Students “dive” into the ocean using realistic puppets, ocean-themed music, and dramatic play to experience the diversity of animal species below the waves. Fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more will come to life in this wild ocean environment. Young oceanographers will take home their own unique octopus puppet.
K – LS1 – From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, K-ESS3 – Earth and Human Activity, K-PS3- Energy
Weather Explorers - $5
Children encounter air pressure at work with a large, puppet version of The Cat in the Hat, and explore the question, “What is weather, and why is it important to us?” Kids learn about and utilize the vocabulary of weather, view instruments used to measure our changing atmosphere, and create tools to measure wind direction in this wacky weather workshop.
K-PS3-Energy, K-ESS2-Earth's Systems, K-ESS3- Earth and Human Activity
Fantastic Flying - $5
Discover how people learned to fly by studying birds and experimenting with kites, gliders, and planes! After comparing the shapes and functions of a bird’s body with an airplane, young aviators make their own take-home flying machines.
K-PS2-Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
Ocean Kids - $5
Students “dive” into the ocean using realistic puppets, ocean-themed music, and dramatic play to experience the diversity of animal species below the waves. Fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more will come to life in this wild ocean environment. Young oceanographers will take home their own unique octopus puppet.
K – LS1 – From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, K-ESS3 – Earth and Human Activity, K-PS3- Energy
Weather Explorers - $5
Children encounter air pressure at work with a large, puppet version of The Cat in the Hat, and explore the question, “What is weather, and why is it important to us?” Kids learn about and utilize the vocabulary of weather, view instruments used to measure our changing atmosphere, and create tools to measure wind direction in this wacky weather workshop.
K-PS3-Energy, K-ESS2-Earth's Systems, K-ESS3- Earth and Human Activity
Astronauts - $5
Astronauts are living in space! Join us for an astronaut challenge as students learn about the special tools and equipment used aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Young explorers end the class by designing their own space gear to take home!
K-LS1 - From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, 1-LS1-1, 2-PS1-3, K-2-ETS1-1
High Flying Fun - $5
Discover how people learned to fly by studying birds and experimenting with kites, gliders, and planes! Young aviators explore the forces of flight, compare the shapes and structures of a bird’s body with an airplane, and learn about basic aircraft construction while making their own take-home flying machines.
K-PS2-1, K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1
Ocean Odyssey - $5
Examine marine aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs and the deep sea, and learn about the inhabitants that call them “home”. Using realistic marine puppets, children visualize and experience the biodiversity and adaptations of these unique ocean animals. Ocean-themed music will get the kids moving as they conclude the class with an oceanic craft project.
LS1.CLS2.A, LS2.D, LS4.C, K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-PS3-1, 2-LS4-1
Primary STEAM Engineering Challenge - $5
Jump into the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and then design and build a bridge to protect the goats from the troll. Using the engineering design process, young engineers will work in teams to test and then re-engineer their creations.
K-PS2-1, K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
Astronauts - $5
Astronauts are living in space! Join us for an astronaut challenge as students learn about the special tools and equipment used aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Young explorers end the class by designing their own space suits to take home!
K-LS1 - From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, 1-LS1-1, 2-PS1-3, K-2-ETS1-1
High Flying Fun - $5
Discover how people learned to fly by studying birds and experimenting with kites, gliders, and planes! Young aviators explore the forces of flight, compare the shapes and structures of a bird’s body with an airplane, and learn about basic aircraft construction while making their own take-home flying machines.
K-PS2-1, K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1
Ocean Odyssey - $5
Examine marine aquatic ecosystems, including coral reefs and the deep sea, and learn about the inhabitants that call them “home”. Using realistic marine puppets, children visualize and experience the biodiversity and adaptations of these unique ocean animals. Ocean-themed music will get the kids moving as they conclude the class with an oceanic craft project.
LS1.CLS2.A, LS2.D, LS4.C, K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-PS3-1, 2-LS4-1
Primary STEAM Engineering Challenge - $5
Jump into the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff, and then design and build a bridge to protect the goats from the troll. Using the engineering design process, young engineers will work in teams to test and then re-engineer their creations.
K-PS2-1, K-PS2-2, K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3
Magnet Busters - $5
Explore the wonders of working with magnets while applying the Law of Magnetism to specific problem-solving activities. Students experiment with natural magnets, man-made magnets, electromagnets, and a magnetic sensor to investigate and collect data on what types of materials a magnetic field will pass through.
K-2-ETS1-3, 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-2, 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-4
Milky Way - $5
The solar system is brought down to Earth as students view the planets in our portable planetarium! Young astronomers act out the movements of the sun, moon, and Earth to describe the patterns of night and day in this out-of-this-world program.
ESS1.B, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 3-PS2-2
Slime Science - $5
Experience chemical changes by creating a variety of slime substances in the lab. This messy program includes measuring, using proper lab practices while adhering to the scientific method, and exploring the properties of matter.
PS1.A, 2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3, 3-5-ETS1-3
Dynamic Earth (2nd-4th Grade) - $5
Children reveal Michigan history by excavating “fossils” and learn to interpret map data in this hands-on class. Observe simulated glacial movements that re-create the formation of the Great Lakes. Alter the landscape in our large stream table to prevent water erosion and flooding!
2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3 MI, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1 MI, 4-ESS2-2
Magnet Busters - $5
Explore the wonders of working with magnets while applying the Law of Magnetism to specific problem-solving activities. Students experiment with natural magnets, man-made magnets, electromagnets, and a magnetic sensor to investigate and collect data on what types of materials a magnetic field will pass through.
K-2-ETS1-3, 3-PS2-1, 3-PS2-2, 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-4
Milky Way - $5
The solar system is brought down to Earth as students view the planets in our portable planetarium! Young astronomers act out the movements of the sun, moon, and Earth to describe the patterns of night and day in this out-of-this-world program.
ESS1.B, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 3-PS2-2
Slime Science - $5
Experience chemical changes by creating a variety of “slime” substances in the lab. This messy program includes measuring, using proper lab practices while adhering to the scientific method, and exploring the properties of matter.
PS1.A, 2-PS1-2, K-2-ETS1-3, 3-5-ETS1-3
Storm Chasers - $5
Young meteorologists make weather observations, use weather map skills, and operate weather instruments while learning the science behind our changing atmosphere. Students study natural hazards like tornadoes and floods by interacting with a dry ice tornado and a 5-foot stream table model.
3-ESS2.D, 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS3-1, 3-PS2-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5ESS2-1
Dynamic Earth (2nd-4th Grade) - $5
Children reveal Michigan history by excavating “fossils” and learn to interpret map data in this hands-on class. Observe simulated glacial movements that re-create the formation of the Great Lakes. Alter the landscape in our large stream table to prevent water erosion and flooding!
2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3 MI, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1 MI, 4-ESS2-2
Getting Into Grasshoppers- $5
Grasshoppers have organ systems that function very much like those of humans. Budding biologists will dissect grasshoppers to examine the external and internal organs that support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
3-E1.0.3, 4-P3.1.3, P3.1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, LS1.A
Hot Wired - $5
Students learn the fundamentals of electricity while constructing multiple open and closed circuits, building electromagnets, and relaying messages on a real telegraph! This exploratory course is designed to give students an understanding of how electricity and energy are transferred to devices used in daily life.
PS2.B, 3-PS2-3, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-3
Intermediate STEAM Engineering Challenge - $5
After learning what it takes to build a strong structure, future engineers will work in teams to design, build, test, and redesign a tower able to withstand a natural disaster. Are you up for the challenge?
3-PS2-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Life in Space - $5
Students discover the social and physiological challenges posed by extended stays in space, and see the systems used to sustain life aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Young astronauts work as a team to complete a challenge that simulates the conditions experienced during a spacewalk and learn about current scientific experiments taking place in space.
3-PS2-2, 3-5-ETS1-1, ESS2.E, 4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1
Young Aviators - $5
Students explore the science and history of flight during this exciting hands-on experience. Young Aviators experiment with the four forces of flight and learn how to manipulate airplane control surfaces to make their own take-home glider soar!
3-5-ETS1-3, 4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1
Dynamic Earth (2nd-4th Grade) -$5
Children reveal Michigan history by excavating “fossils” and learn to interpret map data in this hands-on class. Observe simulated glacial movements that re-create the formation of the Great Lakes. Alter the landscape in our large stream table to prevent water erosion and flooding!
2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3 MI, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1 MI, 4-ESS2-2
Getting Into Grasshoppers -$5
Grasshoppers have organ systems that function very much like those of humans. Budding biologists will dissect grasshoppers to examine the external and internal organs that support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
3-E1.0.3, 4-P3.1.3, P3.1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, LS1.A
Hot Wired -$5
Students learn the fundamentals of electricity while constructing multiple open and closed circuits, building electromagnets, and relaying messages on a real telegraph! This exploratory course is designed to give students an understanding of how electricity and energy are transferred to devices used in daily life.
PS2.B, 3-PS2-3, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4, 3-5-ETS1-3
Intermediate STEAM Engineering Challenge -$5
After learning what it takes to build a strong structure, future engineers will work in teams to design, build, test, and redesign a tower able to withstand a natural disaster. Are you up for the challenge?
3-PS2-1, 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Storm Chasers -$5
Young meteorologists make weather observations, use weather map skills, and operate weather instruments while learning the science behind our changing atmosphere. Students study natural hazards like tornadoes and floods by interacting with a dry ice tornado and a 5-foot stream table model.
3-ESS2.D, 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS3-1, 3-PS2-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5ESS2-1
Life in Space -$5
Students discover the social and physiological challenges posed by extended stays in space, and see the systems used to sustain life aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Young astronauts work as a team to complete a challenge that simulates the conditions experienced during a spacewalk and learn about current scientific experiments taking place in space.
3-PS2-2, 3-5-ETS1-1, ESS2.E, 4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1
Young Aviators -$5
Students explore the science and history of flight during this exciting hands-on experience. Young Aviators experiment with the four forces of flight and learn how to manipulate airplane control surfaces to make their own take-home glider soar!
3-5-ETS1-3, 4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1
Junior Imagineers -$5
Young engineers demonstrate their knowledge of work, energy, and forces while exploring the history and power of simple machines during this hands-on STEAM workshop. After designing and building their own siege machines and participating in a “castle wars” activity, students return home excited about science and engineering!
3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-3
Lightning Volt -$5
Students discover the fantastic world of static electricity while creating voltage between different objects and transferring electrical energy from one object to another! Activities include experimentation with a Wimshurst static machine, the world’s first battery, and the “hair-raising” 325,000-volt Van de Graaff generator.
PS3.B, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS3-4
Rockin’ Roller Coasters -$5
Young physicists learn how speed, mass, g-force, and potential energy affect the design of the most popular thrill rides on the planet! Students use engineering principles to cooperatively build and test their own large-scale roller coasters in this popular class experience!
4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3
Seeing Stars -$5
Look out to the universe to investigate the sun and stars in our portable STARLAB planetarium! Check out the view from above to observe the patterns of the day and night skies before gravity pulls you back down to Earth.
5-PS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2
Sime Works -$5
Students investigate the science of polymers while exploring the properties of matter in common household materials. By creating a variety of slime substances in a lab setting, future chemists discover how changing the ratio of the chemical ingredients affects the outcome of the gooey gak.
5-PS1-3, 5-PS1-4, 3-5-ETS1-3
The Eyes Have It - $8
How does light move through the parts of the eye and get processed by the brain? Investigate the sense of sight in this cow eye dissection class that will make you see the light!
4-LS1-1, LS1.A, 4-LS1-2
This IS Rocket Science! - $12
Young astrophysicists learn how rockets work by gaining knowledge of physical forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion. They race the force of gravity, investigate the exchange of thermal energy, create real-life action/reaction scenarios, and build and launch their own model rockets (weather permitting). Students take home a reusable model rocket.
4-PS3-4, 5-PS2-1, PS2.B, PS3.D
Advanced STEAM Engineering Challenge -$5
Budding engineers expand their knowledge of forces, energy, and work while exploring the history and influence of machines in this exciting, hands-on STEAM workshop! After designing and building a compound machine and participating in an innovative engineering challenge, students are sure to go home excited about science and engineering!
MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS3-5, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4
Aviation Design -$8
What does it take to design a new aircraft? Aspiring aerospace engineers examine this engineering challenge through studying the four forces of flight, exploring angle of attack, and piloting the Air Zoo’s unique full-motion flight simulators! Students explore aircraft design and aerodynamic principles while building and testing their own wing prototypes in the Air Zoo’s wind tunnel!
MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4
A View from Orbit -$5
Let the planets and stars come to you in our portable STARLAB planetarium! Students will examine the reasons for the seasons, scale of the solar system, and eclipses while watching the Sun-Earth-Moon system come to life.
MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-3
Flight School Science -$5
Students explore the science and history of flight during this hands-on experience! Participants design and build FPG-9 gliders and experiment with the four forces of flight, control surfaces, and Bernoulli’s Principle.
PS2.A, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS2-4, MS-ETS1-2
The Eyes Have It -$8
How does light move through the parts of the eye and get processed by the brain? Investigate the sense of sight in this cow eye dissection class that will make you see the light!
MS-LS1-3
High Voltage -$5
Students learn the fundamentals of electricity while constructing multiple open and closed circuits, generating electric currents using magnets, and building real electric motors! This exploratory course is designed to give students an understanding of electricity and how energy is transferred to devices used in daily life.
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-5
Kinetic Coasters -$5
Young physicists learn how acceleration, the Law of Conservation of Energy, and potential and kinetic energy affect the design of the most popular thrill rides on the planet! Students use engineering principles to cooperatively build and test their own roller coasters.
MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-5, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4
Mission to Space -$5
Investigate how aerospace engineers use rockets and spaceplanes to tackle the challenges of reaching space in the 21st century! Students apply their knowledge of Newton’s Laws of Motion while working within time and budget constraints to design successful space vehicles.
MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS3-5, MS-ESS1-3
Mystery at the Museum -$5
A “crime” has been committed at the Air Zoo! Young forensic investigators will learn about real-world Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) protocols such as finger printing, inspection of microscopic evidence, and examination of DNA to identify a suspect using clues found throughout the Air Zoo to solve the crime!
ETS1.B, RST.6-8.9
This IS Rocket Science! -$8
Young astrophysicists participate in a static test launch of a model rocket, collect data and make observations of how rockets work! Students gain a working knowledge of physical forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion through racing the force of gravity, investigating the exchange of thermal energy, creating real-life action/reaction scenarios, and building and launching their own model rockets (weather permitting). Students take home a reusable model rocket.
MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS3-4, MS-PS3-5
Aeronautical Engineering -$8
What does it take to design a new aircraft? Aspiring aeronautical engineers examine this real-world engineering challenge and study Bernoulli’s Principle of air pressure, lift-to-drag ratios, and flight controls. Students explore aircraft design and aerodynamic principles, build and test wing prototypes in the Air Zoo’s wind tunnel, and put their flying skills to the test in the Air Zoo’s full-motion flight simulators.
HS-PS2-1, HS-PS2-2, HS-PS3-3, ETS1.C, HS-ETS1-2
Crime Scene Investigation 101 -$8
A “crime” has been committed at the Air Zoo! The focus of this innovative and unique class involves solving an Air Zoo mystery utilizing real-world Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) protocols. Young sleuths lift and identify fingerprints, analyze trace evidence with microscopes, and synthesize evidence from the crime scene to identify a suspect. Student Crime Scene Investigators work cooperatively to determine the guilty party while discovering CSI careers, real crime scene procedures, and evidence collection and preservation techniques.
HSN.Q.A.3, RST.9-10.9, RST.11-12.9
The Air Zoo's Science Inspiration Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to schools, co-ops, and other organizations for the Air Zoo's new virtual educational programs. Click HERE for an application.
The Air Zoo is working to provide educators with an array of resources including lesson plans, grants/funding, and professional development opportunities. Check out our engaging lesson plans now. For more information please email Amy Walker at awalker@airzoo.org.
Science on the Go!
This program brings our Education team directly to your students, performing the same amazing 45 – 60 minute educational programs in your classroom! This great alternative to an off-site field trip provides a unique way to enhance current lessons by highlighting essential science ideas and providing opportunities to integrate science and engineering practices. Most of the Air Zoo’s education programs are available as “Science on the Go” experiences.
Science Floor Shows
The Air Zoo’s science floor shows are 30-minute interactive programs designed for larger audiences, and include high-energy audience participation and exciting science demonstrations. These group programs are also very affordable and educators can choose from three unique programs!
Science on Stage
Get more “bang” for your buck with these large-scale, 60-minute demonstrations for extra-large audiences. These Science on Stage programs run $400 for the first show and $200 for consecutive shows. A great way to engage large audiences!
Depending on your unique interests and how much time you have to spend with us, your class trip will have you exploring the many hands-on learning opportunities at the Air Zoo!
The Air Zoo houses an impressive array of aircraft from the Sopwith Camel to the fastest airplane ever to streak across the sky, the SR-71B Blackbird. But that's just the beginning! Your students can take a spin in our Full-Motion Flight Simulators* lift up and away in the Montgolfier Balloon Race ride and share the cockpit of a colorful Flying Circus Biplane! And don't forget our theater with three movies, in addition to our Paratrooper Jump, Corsair Challenge* and our newest hands-on exhibits Alien World's & Androids. Middle and high school students can also work side by side with our nationally recognized restoration team as they restore one-of-a-kind WWII aircraft that have been rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan!
These programs are scheduled the first Tuesdays of the month and are the perfect addition to any homeschool curriculum. The Air Zoo's homeschool programs are designed to fulfill Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with dynamic, hands-on lesson plans and interactive demonstrations and tours. Prepare for your classes and follow up to reinforce concepts with the pre- and post-lesson activities available on our website!
Preschool STEAM Days are designed to give young children and their adult chaperones a taste of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). These fun, hands-on, interactive activities will leave your young scientist wanting to explore even more at home! These programs will be offered the first Wednesday of the month.
With more than 60 videos spanning from artifacts and aircraft, to science experiments and stories of our aerospace pioneers, there are countless ways to offer educaitonal and inspiring content for your students - in the classroom, or at home!