NAME: Explore! Series

START DATE: 1st Saturday of each month

TIME:11:00 – 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Armstrong Air & Space Museum

ADDRESS: 500 Apollo Dr, Wapakoneta, OH

COST: No additional cost with admission

ABOUT THE EXPLORE! SERIES:

Join the museum’s education team in the STEM Center for two exciting, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in visitors of all ages. Experiment, build, and explore as you dive into fun STEM lessons that bring science and innovation to life. Each month will have a different educational theme as well. Throughout the day, enjoy guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who will share fascinating stories and insights about the museum’s exhibits. Whether you participate in one or both activities, take a tour, or simply explore on your own, there’s something new to learn and enjoy around every corner!

MONTHLY TOPICS:

JANUARY 3RD –Your Place in Space: Discover the scale of the cosmos with Solar System Step-Out, a walking activity that lets you experience the vast distances between planets while learning fun facts about each one. Offered at 11AM and 2PM. Uncover the mysteries of the universe in Black Holes, a hands-on STEM activity using balloons and aluminum foil to explore how black holes form and why their gravity is so powerful. Sessions at 12PM and 3PM. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

FEBRUARY 7TH –You're the Star:  Explore the wonders of the night sky at the STEM Center! Join Star Step-Out at 11AM or 2PM to learn about stars, their sizes, colors, and unique features. Then, create your own Constellation Projector at 12PM or 3PM using recyclable materials, perfect for kids PreK–2nd grade and star lovers of all ages. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

MARCH 7TH  – Food in Space: Join Mission Nutrition at 11AM or 2PM to learn about healthy eating in space and sample astronaut ice cream. Create your own Lunar Biosphere at 12PM or 3PM and discover how astronauts grow food in space. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

APRIL 4TH – Seeing Space: Join a Solar Viewing session from 11AM or 2PM and learn how to safely view the Sun! Weather permitting, participants can step outside and use a telescope. Learn about Origami in Space at 12PM or 3PM and discover how the James Webb Telescope was designed using origami principles, then create your own origami craft. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

MAY 2ND – Rocketry: The museum will be hosting a special Rocketry Workshop at 11AM and 2PM. Build your own model rocket and learn the science behind it! Weather permitting, rockets will be launched outside following each class. Classes are limited to 20 students with a parent, require museum admission, and RSVP is required. To RSVP, contact Chris at programs@armstrongmuseum.org. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

JUNE 6TH – Forces of Flight: Join the museum for our Forces of Flight lesson at 11AM and 2PM. Children will explore the four forces of flight through hands-on experiments and create their own balsa wood flyers, decorating them with markers. Our Shuttle Design lesson from 12PM and 3PM will allow guests to discover the science behind space shuttles and design your own shuttle glider. The Guided Museum Tour, a 45-min experience highlighting key exhibits and fun insights begin at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM.

MORE LESSONS TO COME!