Museum to teach gravity during planned events

Greene County News

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Celebrate the beginning of the fall season while learning about the force that causes falling — gravity, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Aerospace demonstration stations located throughout the museum will allow those of all ages to experience the concept of gravity in a variety of situations, including one station which invites participants to try on a real parachute and sit in an actual B-2 ejection seat.

“Storytime” begins at 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. in the Carney Auditorium. Preschool and primary-grade children are invited to hear stories about flight. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own paper craft to take home. In addition, a limited number of books will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis during each storytime, through the generosity of the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc. and PNC Foundation.

The free hands-on Aerospace Adventure will allow participants to build their own paper napkin parachute from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the second building.

Chief Nursing Officer from The Center for Aerospace Nursing Excellence, Scott Rhoades, will make two special presentations describing his experience with freefall aboard a parabolic flight, such as those used to train astronauts. The first presentation will begin at 11 a.m. and will repeat at 1:30 p.m.

The event is free and visitors of all ages may participate in these STEM-related activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. No advanced reservations are necessary. Call the Education Division at 937-255-4646 for additional information.

The MathAlive!, a highly entertaining, interactive traveling exhibit that allows visitors to experience math in action, is also still available. The 5,000-square-foot exhibit is located in the Cold War Gallery and includes more than 40 immersive experiences.

Story courtesy of the National Museum of the United States Air Force.