This program connects to the curriculum of Language, Science and Technology and Arts.
Students will get an introduction to flight.
Program Description
Have you ever marvelled at that colourful butterfly as takes off from a pretty flower? What about that fancy hot air balloon? Why does it fly when it has no wings? Or what about that huge grey airplane? Isn’t it far too heavy to move through the skies? Why do people fly in airplanes anyway? Is it just to go on vacation?
Posing endless questions is a key component in the development of a young child’s mind in their quest to understand and make sense of the world around them. Flight is an activity that has fascinated humans from the first time they observed flying animals. While people have been able to move through the air for the past few centuries, we still cannot achieve it without some equipment.
Let the Museum take your students on an exploration of a variety of moving objects. During our activities, students discuss natural aviators versus human inventions and discover some of the purposes for the invented flying objects. Students will learn about the first powered flight in Canada undertaken by the Silver Dart and take home a self-made souvenir of this plane. By participating in our fun I Spy game, students will once more learn about different aircraft and their intended purposes.
Museum Activity
The Program begins with a Briefing by Gina Heinbockel-Bolik, the Education Programmer at the NAFMC.
Following the briefing, the students will be divided into smaller groups and will alternate through 3 learning stations. All stations are animated by volunteers, many with a long connection to the RCAF, or Museum staff members.
1. Moving Objects – Natural Aviators and Human Inventions
Students will form a circle in the Conference Room and talk about moving objects. The facilitator will gather their ideas by handing out small posters depicting animals and objects that can fly. Once every student has a poster, we will look at every one discussing how the object depicted is able to move and what purpose the various human inventions have. Where possible we will compare civilian and military aircraft.
2. The Silver Dart
The Silver Dart was the airplane that undertook Canada’s first powered flight back in 1909. For the event’s 100th anniversary a replica was created which a year later found its way into the collection of the NAFMC. Students will have a look at this plane before creating a special greeting card with a Silver Dart imaged rubbed on the front.
3. I Spy Game
The final portion of the program takes students on a tour of the indoor and/or outdoor exhibits by means of an I SPY game. Students explore, observe, and discuss their findings. While participating, students will discover various aircraft and get an eye-catching introduction to the world of powered flight.
Free Time At this time students can…
Pre or Post Activity
The National Air Force Museum of Canada has created a Student Activity Kit. This kit provides educators and parents with multi-age activities that can be easily modified to suit student needs. Download our Activity Kit and consider implementing the suggested activities below.
Page 4: Connect the Dots (Numerical)
Page 5: Connect the Dots (Alphabetical)
For more information, contact Gina Heinbockel-Bolik, the education programmer via email at education@airforcemuseum.ca or by phone at 613-965-3874.