Getting Your Class Ready: Preparing for School Programs
Getting Your Class Ready: Preparing for School ProgramsCongratulations! You just signed your class up for an educational and fun experience at the Alberta Aviation Museum! But now, I assume you’re a little unsure of what to do next. I bet you’re thinking “What will my students get out of it? What should I tell them to prepare them? What should I/my students bring?”
Hi, my name is Erin, and I’m a Program Facilitator here at the Alberta Aviation Museum! I have worked with a bunch of different classes doing school tours as well as Theory of Flight in the past few months and have talked to a few teachers that have experienced these programs. We want to make sure the day runs smoothly and that you, your parent volunteers, and especially your students have the best experience they can with us.
I have assembled two guides for you, each with information on how to best prepare for your program! The first, “Erin’s Mind-Blowing Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Experience” explains what the learning outcomes and what to expect when you come for either the school tours or Theory of Flight programs. The second, “Erin’s Glorious Guide to Preparing Your Students” will explain what your students should know before coming to the museum.
Erin’s Mind-Blowing Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Experience:
We currently offer two school programs: School Tours and Theory of Flight!
Our school tours offer an incredible day full of viewing artifacts, hands-on tours surrounding some of its many stories and science of flight, some time to roam the museum, as well as time on the flight simulators, a fan favourite that allows your students to reinforce ideas about science of flight and control surfaces.
During this time, students will have both a snack and a lunch break to get out any jitters in a designated education area.
Now, you may think I’m biased, but fear not! Here is a raving review from a teacher:
“The staff was friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. The hands-on experiences were amazing for the students’ learning and knowledge.”
Our Theory of Flight program offers a more in depth look of looking into the Alberta Education Science curriculum. We cover the four forces of flight, parts of a plane, control surfaces, and stability. Finally to end the day off, your class will have the opportunity learn about some of our historical stories about some of the aircraft and people associated with the museum and to test their abilities of flying a plane (NOT A REAL PLANE, I REPEAT NOT A REAL PLANE!) on our flight simulators!
Again, so you not know I’m being biased, here’s another review from a teacher:
“The staff was very knowledgeable; they did a great job of answering questions and keeping the students engaged. [The simulators were] very engaging for students and helped to solidify topics taught. The students seemed to really enjoy it. They were engaged and learned a lot. Thank you so much. It was fabulous!”
No matter what program you have chosen, it will be a fun and educational day, not just for your students, but for you and your parent volunteers as well!
Erin’s Glorious Guide to Preparing Your Students:
Before you come to the museum, we would appreciate that you inform your students about some of the rules and guidelines of the museum, including:
1) Walking at all times and being aware of our surroundings since we don’t want to trip on the uneven floor or bonk our heads on any of the aircraft wings that jut out.
2) Being mindful of your voice and people around you! There may be other visitors and we want to respect them as well.
3) Stay in view of a supervisor at all times!
4) Avoiding touching any of the artifacts as they are old and fragile.
5) Staying outside of and not standing on the black and red curbing surrounding the exhibits.
6) Keeping food and drink in designated areas (including water bottles and coffee cups).
We would also appreciate that you split up your students into groups PRIOR to coming in. It will just save some time so we can spend more time having fun!
Now that you know what to expect, and how to prepare your students, now you may be wondering what you and your students should bring!
You should make sure you have enough supervisors for your group. Refer to your correspondence with staff for this information.
Your students should make sure they have the following:
1) A lunch that does not need to be microwaved or refrigerated.
2) A water bottle so we can stay hydrated.
3) (Optional) The student worksheet and writing utensils. Refer to your correspondence with staff for the PDF.
4) Thinking caps! As much fun as your students are going to have, they will also learn lots!
5) A positive attitude! Remember that we’re all here to have fun!
Well, that’s it from me! We can’t wait to see you here at the museum and I hope you have a fun and educational experience. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to book a program for your classroom!
Would you like to join our programming mailing list CLICK HERE
Book your class HERE!