School Zone
Dreams really do come true!
Dear Teachers,
Ten years ago, when I first came to the then-National Aviation
Museum, two things struck me: we needed classrooms and digital
wind tunnels so we could really explore the science of flight;
and we needed to tell the continuing story of manned flight as it
moved out of the atmosphere and into Space. A few years later, I
added video-conferencing equipment to my wish list, so that we
could break our programs out of our four walls and connect to
students across the country, truly fulfilling our national
mandate.
Flash forward to 2011
Space Theme: Check.
Last May, we officially became the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, expanding our mandate to include human Space flight.
Classrooms: Check!
Two bright new classrooms with digital wind tunnels will open later this winter.
Video-conferencing: Double-Check!
When the classrooms open, they will be fully equipped to
connect students with each other and with experts across the
country — and as far away as the International Space
Station.
So what’s next, you ask? Read on for good news, better news, and an invitation!
Good News…
The good news is that, in addition to the classrooms,
we’re also building a 250-seat auditorium, a multipurpose
room, a new front entrance and an expanded boutique, while also
upgrading some of our other amenities. In order to complete the
construction, the Museum will be closed from January 4 to
February 4, 2011. Although the Museum will be closed to the
public, we are happy to say that we will be able to accommodate
all previously booked groups during this time.
Better News…
The even better news is that, while we’re closed,
we’ll be hitting the road with three of our most popular
programs: Amazing Air (Grade 2), Science at the Speed of Sound
(Grade 4), and Flight (Grade 6). These programs are free of
charge, but space is limited, so call our Reservations Office at
613-991-3053 for more information and to book your workshop
now.
And an Invitation
You are cordially invited to attend our grand opening
celebration held in conjunction with Career Day and National Aviation Day on February 23,
2011. This free event provides students with an opportunity to
meet representatives from over 60 aviation and aerospace
businesses and post-secondary institutions, as they explore the
wide range of possible careers from sheet-metal working to
carpentry, from customer service to business management. For more
information, please go to our “Career Day” page or call 613-991-3053.
What a way to start off the new year! I couldn’t be
happier and, rest assured, I haven’t stopped dreaming so
watch this site, follow me on Twitter @CASMEducation or join my
PLN (Personal Learning Network) on LinkedIn. More than just an
opportunity for me to let you know what’s going on at the
Museum, these are great places to connect with each other and
talk about what’s happening in the world of education, to
collaborate and to learn from one another.
I’m looking forward to seeing what the next ten exciting
years will be like at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and I
hope you’ll join us for the adventure.
Kimberly Reynolds
Education and Interpretation Officer
kreynolds@technomuses.ca
@CASMEducation
Address
The Museum is located at the intersection of the Aviation and Rockcliffe Parkways in Ottawa.
