March 26, 2008 - - Come fly the skies! Kalamazoo's Air Zoo, along with the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Aeronautics Bureau, will host the state's 15th Annual Aviation/Aerospace Teacher Workshop called "The Sky's the Limit," on Saturday, May 17. The popular workshop trains teachers at all grade levels to explore ways that aviation and aerospace can be incorporated into classroom activities.
"We are excited to offer this new location, with its 'museum-meets-indoor-amusement-park' theme," said Tom Krashen, MDOT program coordinator. "For the first time, teachers, and anyone interested in aviation education, will have a unique opportunity to visit the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo and explore its many exhibits, and participate in breakout sessions presented by Air Zoo staff members. In addition, our guest speaker is NASA's Dr. W. Michael Hawes, who will share some of his remarkable experiences."
Keynote speaker W. Michael Hawes, NASA's deputy associate administrator, is responsible for space operation support. Some of his career highlights include: payload officer of the Space Shuttle Mission Control Center, and member of the Skylab re-entry team.
"The Air Zoo makes learning fun, and what better way to instill the history and principles of flight in the minds of our youth," said Air Zoo Executive Director Bob Ellis. "We are simply delighted to be asked to share our unique approach to teaching aviation and aerospace science at this year's MDOT teacher workshop."
In addition, participants can explore the museum's two buildings, which house vast collections and exhibitions including full-motion flight simulators and more than 50 historic and vintage aircraft.
The workshop is designed for teachers, student teachers, counselors, school administrators, and anyone with an interest in aviation education.
The cost of the workshop is $40, including lunch, free parking and all resource materials. The 15th Annual Aviation/Aerospace Teacher Workshop will be held at the Air Zoo, located south of the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. For more information, contact Tom Krashen, MDOT Aviation Services, 517-335-9977, or register online at www.michigan.gov/aero.
As a special feature, the Air Zoo is offering a special reduced admission for children or spouses of workshop participants who would like to explore the museum, but don't wish to attend the workshop.
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