LE+2

Porter County Municipal Airport 4207 Murvihill Road Valparaiso, IN 46383 (800)462-6508



Students can tour the airport terminal free of charge and view planes in the hanger and talk to real pilots. Allow at least 45 minutes at the airport and an additional 45 minutes at the Indiana Aviation Museum.



They will see where the pilots plan for their destinations, fuel the airplanes and view planes arriving and departing the runway from the safety of the observation area.

 Students will learn the how airplanes fly in regards to lift and discover the significance of a wind sock.



They will learn basic functions of the airport and be introduced to airport terminology. Students will view an aviation map and learn the basic runway layout with respect to 360 degrees. In addition to visiting the pilots lounge and conference rooms the students will see pictures of a variety of aircraft allowed in and out of the local airport.

The will become familiar with airport safety procedures and learn how valuable a local airport is to a small community.

Small groups of 20-25 students is best for this particular facility.

The airport staff was excited to meet the students and made a significant effort to present age appropriate information.

Suggestions: Discuss aviation terms before the visit and predetermine students experience with airports. Assure them of their safety and alert them to the difference between this local facility and larger airports in their area such as O'Hare Airport and Midway. Students should dress in layers as they will be inside for most of the presentation and the terminal is very warm. The hanger and gated observation area near the runway can be very cool and windy in the fall. Alert student not to disturb the pilots computer area. There are vending machines near the lounge area. Restrooms are located in the terminal and should be visited before preceding to the museum.

Indiana Aviation Museum Located next to the Porter County Airport US Hwy 30 & State Rd 49 Valparaiso, IN 46383 (219)548-3123

The museum is privately owned and operated by a small professional and friendly staff. Student groups of 20-25 students are divided into small groups of 4 to 6 children and accompanied through the museum on a guided tour of the history of aviation. Two short videos include background information and allow question and answer periods at each station.

Students are allowed to sit in the seat of real planes. They will learn the difference between several characteristics of aircraft flown today as well as in the past. This hands on experience will thrill adults as well as children.

The museum in only open on weekends May - October. We were able to book a study trip for November just 3 weeks prior to our date. The museum is accustomed to having children in the facility and they cater to their audience. Students will need to follow safely rules and listen carefully to tour guides. Guides will check for good listening skills by asking questions after each mini tour.



Suggestions: Encourage students to use the washrooms at the airport before visiting the museum. There are limited restroom facilities in the museum. As a courtesy to the museum owner remind students to listen carefully for directions about which items should and should not be handled. Remind students to clean their shoes before entering the carpeted museum. Dress warm in the fall due to the open hanger area which is cool and breezy.




 * Literature Links**

Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly a Plane

Ruth Law Thrills a Nation

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride

How Do Planes Fly?

Websites

How do planes fly?

Plane Flying Illustration

A note of credit to Amanda C.(my teammate) for organizing this wonderful field trip and drafting the Airport Note. media type="custom" key="4637544"
 * Sample Airport Field Trip Letter**

This link contains directions and patterns for simple, wireless foam gliders. This would be a good activity for children to complete in anticipation of their field trip. The only materials needed for most projects are foam board (available at most dollar stores) and sharp scissors. @http://www.rcpowers.com/gliders/glidersabout.htm
 * Free How to plans for building foam gliders **