Turning the Page visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, July 20th to tour its many galleries and listen to a special presentation from African American Astronaut Benjamin Alvin Drew. Drew has journeyed into space on two separate missions and was aboard NASA’s last shuttle flight before the shuttle program was discontinued in 2011.
To complement Benjamin Alvin Drew’s presentation, the entire interactive second floor of the museum was outfitted to include STEM-themed activities for students and parents to enjoy. TTP families engaged with NMAAHC staff to learn about the science and engineering related aspects of the museum—for example, students learned about the external elements of the museum that allow the museum to sustainably regulate its temperature. These interactions with the NMAAHC STEM team also provided opportunities for families to experiment with science themes through hands-on activities including making jewelry with ultraviolet (UV) light detecting beads (craft beads that respond to sunlight), and marshmallow catapults to apply construction concepts using common household materials. It was a full day of rich experiences designed to help parents think about the ways that they could continue to integrate stories, science and education into their home life.
