Space Explorers Program
SPACE EXPLORERS SHUTTLE TEAM CENTER
The Cradle of Aviation has been designated as one of six sites by NASA for this exciting new program that allows students to launch and land a Space Shuttle. Students will learn about the critical nature of teamwork, effective communication and real time problem solving using the systems used by NASA mission control and space shuttle crews. NASA’s Space Explorers shuttle trainer features three-quarter scale replicas of the mission control console and shuttle flight deck controls. While learning about the importance of teamwork, students are exposed to the science and technology of the Shuttle.
Space Shuttle Program (1 hour program)
This program will take a deep look into the reasons for the space shuttle, the enormous effort involved in running the program, and the spectacular successes and discoveries that have resulted. After a mission briefing, one half of a class enters mission control and the other half enters the shuttle cockpit. The highlight occurs when six students in key positions demonstrate a space shuttle launch while their class supports and evaluates them. The program culminates with a debriefing on the success of their mission.
Program length: 1 hour
Group Minimum: 18 students
Group Maximum: 30 students per 1 hour session
Grade level: 4th and up
Student Cost: $2/student (in addition to museum admission)
Teachers/Chaperones: Free (museum admission still applies)
Space Explorer Shuttle Mission (1.5 hour program)
The Space Shuttle is one of the most complex and inspiring vehicles on the planet. Piloting it takes a team that can work in a fast-paced, exciting environment. In this program, every student will build such a team by taking one of six roles in either our Mission Control Center or Shuttle cockpit. The positions include: pilot, commander, mission specialist, sim director, flight director, sim communicator. Not only will students have a part in putting the shuttle into orbit but this program will educate
students about the science and the teamwork needed to get there.
Program length: 1.5 hours
Group Minimum: 18 students
Group Maximum: 30 students per 1.5 hour session
Grade level: 4th and up
Student Cost: $3/student (in addition to museum admission)
Teachers/Chaperones: Free (museum admission still applies)
Class and Tour Fees:
30 min. $1/person, 50 min. $2/person (in addition to museum admission)
Plan your visit during our off-peak periods for special discounts!
January–March: Receive a free half hour museum class when you purchase a museum ticket. Classes available for discount include: Space Toys, Weather to Fly By, Rockets Away and How Does It Fly?
NEW! Comets are Coming! 30 minutes, grades 4 and up
Discover the mysteries of these giant dirty snowballs.
Starlab Planets! 50 minutes, grades 1-8
Learn about and find the planets that you can see without a telescope.
Weather to Fly By 30 minutes, grades 3-8
Discuss basic weather patterns and principles and its effects on aircraft.
In Search of the Red Planet 30 minutes, grades 3-8
Learn about the mysterious red planet.
Space Toys 30 minutes, grades 2-10
Use and predict how toys would perform in the microgravity of space.
Return to the Moon and on to Mars 30 minutes, grades 4-12
Find out why Mars should be our next stop.
Living in Space 30 minute and 50 minute programs, all grades
The most common questions will be answered on what life is like in space.
Rockets Away! 30 minutes, grades 5-12
Rocketry is an important development in modern day science.
Kites Away! 30 minutes, grades 1-3
Learn how kites were precursors to airplanes and build your own kite.
How Does it Fly? 30 minutes, grades 1-8
Explore the concepts of lift, thrust and drag.
Guided Tour - Highlights of Long Island Aviation 50 min., all grades
From ballooning to the moon….all in under an hour.
The Self-Guided Museum Experience
Your group may visit the museum galleries without a guide. The exhibits are in chronological order and throughout the museum, our volunteer docents are there to share their aerospace experience. Aerospace Quests (available on our website and in our Educator Guide) are a great tool to help focus the self-guided group in the galleries.
