Investigate, discover, and soar! Aerospace Academy is a series of learning labs with hands-on activities, experiments, and inquiry-based demonstrations.

Based at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center , Aerospace Educators-in-Residence teach the scientific theories, historical aspects, and key terminology of aerospace aviation.

Aerospace Academy: Design a Satellite
Audience: Students in Grades 3-5 — Available on YouTube
This program shows the unique aspects, benefits and importance of satellites through demonstrations and simple experiments. Students learn about all key parts of a satellite and how they work.  Design a Satellite Lesson Plan (PDF)

Aerospace Academy: Paper Airplane Design
Audience: Students in Grades 3-5 — Available on YouTube
Students create paper airplanes then manipulate the weight to test the center of gravity and center of lift of the design.  Paper Airplane Design Lesson Plan (PDF)

Aerospace Academy: We Can Fly
Audience: Students in Grades 3-5 — Available on YouTube
The four basic forces of flight are demonstrated in clever examples that will captivate younger students.  We Can Fly Lesson Plan (PDF)

Connect With Us