Super Science Saturdays
Super Science Saturdays
Air Zoo Super Science Saturdays are an opportunity to ignite curiosity and explore. Individual youth or youth groups, like Scouts BSA or Girl Scouts, can engage in exciting hands-on programs that investigate science! Check out program descriptions below to learn more about each program's topics and what badges or adventures are explored.*
These programs require registration. Each group or individual youth must have at least one adult present with them during the program. Registrants, and their adult, will receive a wristband to explore the exhibits and enjoy unlimited rides after the program concludes. For details or questions regarding youth programs, please contact our Events Department via email or call 269.350.2848.
2024 - 2025 Schedule
November – Flight (Grades 1-3)
Flight
November 16 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: November 8, 2024
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
Join us for a fun and interactive class exploring the basics of flight! In our elementary flight program, we will learn about the key properties that enable objects to fly, including lift, thrust, drag, and gravity. Then, we'll get hands-on by designing and creating our own paper airplanes and fling flyers. Through exciting flight tests, students will observe and experiment with different designs to see which flies the best. This class will spark curiosity and inspire young minds to discover the wonders of aviation!
This program will meet some of the requirements included in the Brownie Mechanical Engineering: Fling Flyer badge and the Wolf: Air of the Wolf Elective Adventure.
December – Forensic Science (Grades 3-5)
Forensic Science
December 7 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: November 29, 2024
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
In our elementary detective class, young sleuths will dive into the exciting world of crime-solving. They will learn how to investigate fingerprints, understanding the unique patterns that can identify individuals. Students will also search for evidence, honing their observational skills and learning how to collect and preserve clues. The class includes an exploration of codes and ciphers, teaching kids how to decode hidden messages and create their own secret codes. Through hands-on activities and engaging lessons, children will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive environment.
This program will meet some of the requirements included in the Bear Forensics Elective Adventure and Junior Detective Badge.
December – Forensic Science (Grades 6-8)
Forensic Science
December 7 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: November 29, 2024
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
In our middle school forensics program, we will explore the fascinating realms of forensic chemistry, biology, and physics. We will investigate how chromatography can reveal vital evidence, and study biological clues like DNA and fingerprints to solve mysteries. The class also delves into the physics of crime scenes, conducting blood spatter analysis. Students will practice the art of deduction and analysis, piecing together clues to form logical conclusions.
This program will meet some of the requirements included in the Cadette Detective Badge.
January – Aviation Merit (Grades 6-12)
Aviation Merit
January 11 | 9am-12:30pm | Registration Deadline: January 3, 2025
Fees: $30/scout and $14/adult (adults will register upon arrival)
In this program middle and high school students will investigate the forces of flight and the control surfaces of an airplane using a wind tunnel, gaining a hands-on understanding of aerodynamics and flight mechanics. The experience includes an exciting tour of the Air Zoo's amazing collection of aircraft, where students will see historic and modern planes up close, enhancing their appreciation for aviation history and technology. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to make, fly, and modify their own take-home glider, applying the principles they've learned to create a functional model for flight.
This program will meet all of the requirements for the Scouts BSA: Aviation Merit Badge.
February – Space Science (Grades K-3)
Space Science
February 8 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
Become a space scientist as you explore the sun, moon, and stars, observing how the sky changes during the day and investigating the phases of the moon. Learn about how scientists study the skies and hear stories of the stars as you explore constellations and create your own star stories. Whether you’ve searched for shooting stars or found shapes in clouds, you’ve probably already spent some time looking at the sky, but now’s your chance to see it in a new way – like a space scientist does!
This program will meet some of the requirements included in the Tiger: Sky is the Limit Elective Adventure, the Daisy Space Science Explorer Badge and the Brownie Space Science Adventurer Badge.
February – Space Science (Grades 4-8)
Space Science
February 8 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
Investigate the vastness of space by exploring our Solar System and beyond, discovering how scientists create models to represent the distances between objects in space. Delve into the night sky, identifying constellations and planets that can be seen. Explore the fascinating properties of light and how it helps scientists study distant stars and galaxies. Understand how telescopes use light to reveal the mysteries of the universe and see the incredible phenomena of the cosmos.
This program will meet some of the requirements included in the Junior Space Science Explorer Investigator Badge and the Cadette Space Science Researcher Badge.
March – Engineering Design (Grades K-3)
Engineering Design
March 8 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: February 2, 2025
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
In this program, you'll dive into the world of force and motion by designing your own vehicles and exploring roller coasters. Using simple materials, engineer, build and test your creations to see how they move and perform. You'll explore how forces like push, pull, and gravity affect your designs, learning how these forces help your vehicles zoom and roller coasters loop. By experimenting with different shapes and sizes, you'll discover how they impact speed and direction. Join us for a hands-on adventure where you get to be a junior engineer and explore the science behind movement!
This program will meet some of the requirements included in Lion: Gizmos and Gadgets Elective Adventure, Tiger: Designed by Tiger Elective Adventure, the Daisy: Mechanical Engineering Roller Coaster and Car Design, and the Brownie: Mechanical Engineering Race Car.
March - Engineering Design (Grades 4-5)
Engineering Design
March 8 | 9-11am | Registration Deadline: February 2, 2025
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
Get ready for a thrilling engineering adventure where you’ll explore the amazing world of forces! In this hands-on program, you'll have a choice of designing and testing balloon-powered cars, rubber band paddleboats, or stomp rockets. Discover how forces like air pressure and propulsion make your creations zoom and soar. Experiment with different designs and materials to see what makes cars go faster, paddleboats move smoother, and rockets blast higher. Join us to become an engineer and have a blast with forces and motion!
This program will meet some of the requirements included in Junior: Mechanical Engineering Balloon Car and Paddle Boat, and Arrow of Light: Engineer Adventure.
April - Space Exploration (Grades 6-12)
Space Exploration
April 26 | Session #1: 9am - 1:30pm | Session #2: 10am - 2:30pm | Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025
Fees: $18 per participating child (covers admission and program)/$14 per adult (adults will register upon arrival)
Begin your journey by delving into the history of space exploration, learning about the key missions and milestones that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos. Discover the future implications of exploring space, including current projects and upcoming missions aimed at returning to the Moon and eventually reaching Mars. Research the innovative technology and everyday products developed directly from the space program, understanding how space exploration impacts life on Earth. Cap off your experience by building and launching (weather permitting) a model rocket, putting your newfound knowledge into action and enjoying the thrill of rocketry.
This program will meet all of the requirements for the Scouts BSA: Space Exploration Merit Badge.
*Troop Leaders:
During the Air Zoo's Super Science Saturdays, Scouts complete many of the requirements for Adventures or Badges in one exciting day! Each program is tailored for a particular Scout level. Each group must have at least one adult member present throughout the program.
The Air Zoo does not have the Adventure Loops and Pins, or Badges but each participating scout will receive an Air Zoo fun patch! Looking to schedule your own overnight or discuss private programs and events? We can do that too!
Come visit us.
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Great place! Very interesting educational and informational! Great place to take the whole family as there is something for young children up to adults!
blackeyedsusan2018
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We took our grown daughters and young grandsons to the Air Zoo. It was very entertaining for all of us. There is so much to see and do. Rides for the whole family!
Rick C