School Group Field Trip Museum Classes & Planetarium Shows
Welcome | Programs | Planning Guide | Reservation Form
Museum Classes & Programs
Exploring the Web of Life - grades 2–5 (30 minutes)
Delve into the fascinating relationship between habitats and ecosystems. Discover how different habitats, from oceans to deserts, shape and influence the overall functioning of ecosystems and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environment.
Living in Space - all grades (30 minutes)
There are many things one needs to know before venturing up into space…like how does one go to the bathroom? The most common and practical questions will be answered about what life is like in space. Students will discover where to sleep, what kind of food is available, what astronauts wear, and what some hazards are.
Mission mARs - grades 5–8 (30 minutes)
Students will blast off on a mission to the red planet using augmented reality software in this fast-paced and fun program. They’ll land a rover on the Martian surface, drive around, and even have a chance to interact with virtual 3D objects, all while learning about the machines we sent to Mars.
3,2,1 Blastoff - grades 4–12 (30 minutes)
Can you imagine taking off in a rocket with powerful boosters? Rockets are the cornerstone of space exploration and help us to better understand our universe! Learn more about how rockets propel people and machines beyond Earth’s atmosphere while experimenting with basic types of rockets.
AI Takes Flight - grades 4–8 (30 minutes)
From facial recognition at check-in to robot assistants guiding passengers, students will explore real-world applications of AI through interactive role-playing and engaging discussions. They’ll step into the shoes of smart machines and discover how technology helps manage baggage, enhance security, and maintain clean terminals. This hands-on experience blends innovation and imagination to show how AI is taking flight in the skies—and on the ground!
Robots: Healthcare Magic - grades 3-5 (30 minutes)
Step into the exciting world of medical robotics and discover how cutting-edge technology is transforming the way doctors care for patients. Through engaging, hands-on activities, students will experience the importance of precision by testing their skills with an Operation game and exploring how a rehabilitation robotic glove helps patients regain movement after injury. This interactive STEM class inspires young learners to see how engineering, robotics, and medicine work together to improve lives and shape the future of healthcare.
Engineering the Future - grades 4–8 (30 minutes)
This class introduces students to the innovative ideas that the engineers of the future are developing right now. Curious minds will light up with wonder as we put the engineering design process to use to develop our own sustainable innovations, exploring concepts such as hydropower, wind power, autonomous flying taxis, and more.
Code-a-Drone - grades 5–12 (30 minutes)
Drones are becoming more and more a part of everyday life and in this hands-on program, students will learn how they function. Students will learn how drones are programmed to fly safely and then have the opportunity to code a drone of their own to fly over, under, and around obstacles.
Find-a-Flight - grades 3–8 (30 minutes)
Ever see an airplane up in the sky and wonder where it is going? In this lesson, students will learn about flight tracking software and use it to plot the routes of airplanes flying into, out of, and over New York. They’ll learn about different places in our own country and around the world.
How Does it Fly - grades 1–8 (30 minutes)
What are lift, drag, thrust, and gravity? They are just a few of the concepts explored in this hands-on program that covers the scientific principles of flight and how people used them to conquer the sky.
Physics at Play - grades 2–9 (30 minutes)
What do your favorite sports and toys have in common? They all follow the laws of physics! In this interactive lesson, students will learn how physics is at the foundation of sports and games and how they can better understand their favorite activities by understanding the science behind them.
Kites - grades K–3 (30 minutes)
3000 years ago, people in China invented the first kites, and today most of us have attempted to fly one. Learn how kites were precursors to other flying machines and build your own.
Guided Tour - all grades (50 minutes)
From ballooning to the Moon…an evolution of aviation, all in under an hour. This museum educator-led program will take your group through the museum’s collections, focusing on major events and aircraft in aviation history. Inquiry-based learning will help students interpret the history of aviation on Long Island according to the age level and needs of each group. ENL option is available upon request.
All classes comply with national and state standards.
October-November: SAVE $2.00 per Student on Museum & Theater Combo Tickets!
January: Purchase Museum & Theater Combo Tickets and receive a free 30-minute program.
Aerospace Quests
To enhance your visit to the Cradle of Aviation be sure to print out an aerospace quest and make copies for your students to bring to the museum. This educational tool was developed by the museum staff and docents in order to help groups focus and have fun learning.
Planetarium Shows
Join us for an immersive experience in our Dome Theater and ask about accessibility too! Limited live programs are available in Spanish and open captioning for films is also available. Ask for more details when booking your program!
NEW! Into America’s Wild - All Grades
Into America's Wild takes audiences on a breathtaking giant-screen adventure across some of the nation's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. From rugged coastlines and towering mountains to remote wilderness and national parks, the film showcases the beauty, diversity, and spirit of exploration that define the American experience.
NEW! (Coming in late Winter) Life in Space - Grades 3+, Partially Educator-Led
For the last 25 years, humans have established the International Space Station as a habitat and laboratory to deepen our understanding of how to live in space. Experiments on the ISS will help us travel even farther into space! Learn how microgravity and the Sun affect living things on Earth, understand Earth’s place in the universe, the systems that make it habitable, and our search for those ecosystems elsewhere in the galaxy!
Ocean Paradise - All Grades
Ocean Paradise transports viewers to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean, showcasing untouched marine national monuments. These islands, atolls, and coral reefs teem with wildlife and natural beauty, offering a glimpse into pristine environments vital to our planet's health. The film highlights their critical role in combating environmental threats like climate change, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, overfishing, and plastic pollution.
Living in the Age of Airplanes - Grades 4+
Not long ago, traveling between continents was a migration. Now, on any given day, 100,000 flights transport people and things between any two points on Earth in a matter of hours. Filmed in 18 countries across all seven continents, Living in the Age of Airplanes explores the numerous ways aviation impacts our lives. The film renews our appreciation for one of the most extraordinary and awe-inspiring aspects of the modern world.
Cities of the Future - Grades 3+
Imagine stepping 50 years into the future and finding smart cities designed to be totally sustainable. Renewable energy is our primary power source. Everything is recycled. And you can ride an electric flying vehicle! Engineers are making plans for a sustainable world right now, and you can see it on the giant screen!
Solar System Tour - All Grades, Educator-Led
Our Solar System has everything you could want! Planets! Moons! Asteroids! and Comets! All swirling around our one and only star, the Sun. Students will visit and explore the different objects of the Solar System and get a glimpse at the force that keeps worlds spinning.
Current Night Sky - All grade levels, Educator-Led
Long before television, GPS, and streetlights, there were the stars of the night sky. Students will travel through the seasonal night sky to see constellations, hear mythical stories, and observe the magnificent Long Island sky.
Jetsetters – All Grades, Partially Educator-Led
Spark your students’ curiosity with this hybrid planetarium program! First, observe the skies over Long Island with one of our museum educators. Then watch a 30-minute show! You can explore the night sky with friends from Sesame Street in One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure; See deeper into space with Unseen Universe; or dive into the ocean with Ocean Paradise
Life in Space - Grades 3+, Partially Educator-Led - Coming in late Winter
For the last 25 years, humans have established the International Space Station as a habitat and laboratory to deepen our understanding of how to live in space. The experiments on the ISS will help us travel even further out into space!
Welcome | Programs | Planning Guide | Reservation Form
