The Museum offers educational programs for groups of students and adults by appointment. All programs are age-appropriate and aim to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of rotary wing aviation. Student programs are aligned with state curriculum standards; see below for more information. We also encourage setting aside free time to explore the aircraft and climb in a cockpit to try your hands at the controls.
Please complete this form to tell us more about your group. A museum representative will contact you as soon as possible.
Helicopter Hunt
Grades: Preschool – 2nd grade
Length: Approximately 45 minutes
Helicopter Hunt uses images, videos, and fun activities to help kids learn what a helicopter is and what it can do. Program leaders teach participants about the parts of a helicopter, then help them use shapes and colors to identify helicopters in the Museum gallery.
The Forces of Flight
Grades: 1st – 6th grades
Length: Approximately 1 hour
In this program, students will learn about the forces of flight. We will introduce the four forces of flight and other topics, such as air pressure, action, and reaction. Using exciting demonstrations and clear explanations, students will learn how these forces help airplanes and helicopters to fly.
Helicopter Ground School
Grades: Can be adapted for middle school and high school groups
Length: Approximately 1 hour
Participants will be introduced to the rich history of helicopter development in the Delaware Valley, then participate in a discussion comparing fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. The program leader will introduce the mechanics of helicopter controls through demonstration and video. Airspeed, weight and balance, and altitude are just some of the important concepts illustrated in this program. Pre-visit materials are available.
Vertical Flight: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Adult program (also available for high school and college groups)
Length: Approximately 1 hour
This program examines the role of helicopters in the past, present, and future. Topics include the history of helicopter development in the Delaware Valley, early helicopter and rotary wing flight pioneers, present-day helicopter manufacturers, helicopter pilot training, and future developments in the rotorcraft industry. The information is provided through a presentation followed by a docent-guided tour through the Museum gallery.
Group Size & Pricing
Groups should be at least 10 people and no more than 50. The price per person is $12
Fund-A-Field-Trip Fee Waiver Program
Limited grant funding is available to waive group admission fees for field trips from qualified schools serving low-income students. Schools with at least 50% of students qualified to receive free or reduced price meals will generally qualify for the admission waiver. Awards will be based on this criterion and on the availability of funding. Waivers have no cash value, may be applied only for group admission on the date indicated, and may not be applied to other expenses. One field trip per class per school year.
Information & Scheduling
Please complete this form to tell us more about your group. A museum representative will contact you as soon as possible.