Congratulations
Your campus is about to experience AeroExplorer, a program designed specifically for PK–3rd-grade students that introduces them to careers in aerospace. This webpage contains all the information your campus staff and volunteers will need to ensure our visit is full of new experiences and learning and runs seamlessly.
AeroExplorer is a TEACHER-LED program. Students will remain with their teacher, who will guide them through all eight stations over a 2.5-hour period.
| Teachers | Volunteers |
| Thank you for being an important part of your students’ Aero Explorer experience! Your preparation helps set the stage for a successful, engaging, and memorable Aero Explorer day. Before your visit, please watch the Teacher Training Video and have the Activity Instructions open to follow along. The training is designed for you, the educator, and will help you understand your role and what to expect during the Aero Explorer experience. You’ll also find Pre-Visit Activities further down this page. These simple activities will help prepare your students, build excitement, and introduce ideas they’ll explore during their Aero Explorer day. | Thank you for volunteering with Aero Explorer! Your time, energy, and enthusiasm are an important part of creating a meaningful and memorable experience for our students. Before your Aero Explorer day, please watch the Volunteer Training Video to help you feel prepared and ready for the day. We also encourage you to watch the Teacher Training Video and review the Activity Instruction Documents for an even better understanding of the Aero Explorer experience. Thank you for helping us inspire the next generation of explorers! Campus Coordinators Scroll to the bottom of this webpage |
Activity Instructions English Spanish
STUDENT VIDEO (other short video options are here #1 #2 #3 )
Pre-Visit Activities
The activities are listed in order of importance, with the most valuable preparation activity first. We encourage you to complete as many as your schedule allows. Even a little preparation can help students make connections, ask questions, and engage more deeply during their Aero Explorer experience.
| 1. Understand the definition of Aerospace! The Earth’s atmosphere and the space beyond it. Airplanes and the space shuttle fly in aerospace. |
| 2. Transportation of Goods Help students begin thinking about how things get from one place to another. Below are two resources that explore how goods move, get sorted, and get delivered. Encourage students to notice the different types of transportation, people, and steps involved. Logistics video – Introduce students to how goods travel from one place to another. Amazon Tour – Sign up for a virtual tour of an Amazon fulfillment center. |
| 3. Plan a flight (use real or kid-friendly maps (examples Park Map / World Maps / USA ) -Provide students with a map -Students locate three places they would like to visit -Identify the airport and plan their flight (takeoff, location 1, 2, 3, landing) -Extend the activity by writing about the trip, including the sequence of events |
| 4. Aviation Alphabet Check out these suggested activities! |
Educator’s FAQS
What should students wear?
Comfortable activewear is recommended, as in a PE class. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required.
Is the program bilingual?
Teacher instructions will be available in English and Spanish. Student materials are primarily in English, with select resources also provided in Spanish.
My school has 4th grade (and higher). What do we do with them?
Great question! We love the idea that your campus wants to turn our visit into a themed event that includes aerospace, career focus, or STEM/STEAM activities for all students on campus, not just PreK–3rd. What can your campus do to ensure your older students have an engaging, active learning day that rivals the AeroExplorer program?
How long does each station take?
Each of the 8 stations takes approximately 15 minutes, for a total experience of 2–2.5 hours.
How many students can participate per day?
- 8 groups can rotate simultaneously (1 group per station)
- Each group = 1 typical class size
- Capacity per day: 200–400 students, based on these 2-hour blocks
Are food and drinks allowed?
No, food and drinks are not allowed. The many levers, buttons, and parts do not perform well after a sticky drink disaster.
Is the program wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We have worktop-height platforms and the ability to remove chairs to accommodate wheelchair access. Students with severe disabilities may need additional assistance from an aide to fully engage in hands-on activities.
Campus Coordinator Content
- Media Kit (coming soon)
- Checklist & Timeline Doc