History Adventures Online – Eyes on the Sky

African American pilot Bessie Coleman said, “The air is the only place free from prejudice.” At the dawn of the 20th century, aviation was new to the world and pilots Bessie Coleman and William J. Powell used flying to dispel discrimination. Learn about these two pioneering aviators and explore the ideas of flight with a craft and testing paper airplanes.

Download this week’s lesson plan for instructions on folding paper airplanes.

 

Reopening Survey

History Adventures Online – Chemistry Connections

In this week’s History Adventures program you’ll get to learn about George Washington Carver and his contributions to science. After the history lesson, Sophie and Abby will lead you through a hands-on chemistry activity: making homemade ice cream!

Homemade Ice Cream Ingredients & Materials:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or vanilla flavoring (vanillin)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup sodium chloride (NaCl) as table salt or rock salt
  • 2 cups ice
  • 1-quart ZiplocTM bag
  • 1-gallon ZiplocTM bag
  • thermometer (Optional if you don’t have one)
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • dish towel
  • cups and spoons for eating your treat!

Procedure:

  1. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla to the quart ziplocTM bag. Seal the bag securely. 
  2. Put 2 cups of ice into the gallon ziplocTM bag. 
  3. Use a thermometer to measure and record the temperature of the ice in the gallon bag. (Optional?)
  4. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup salt (sodium chloride) to the bag of ice. 
  5. Place the sealed quart bag inside the gallon bag of ice and salt. Seal the gallon bag securely. 
  6. Gently rock the gallon bag from side to side. It’s best to hold it by the top seal or to have gloves or a dish cloth between the bag and your hands because the bag will be cold enough to damage your skin. 
  7. Continue to rock the bag for 10-15 minutes or until the contents of the quart bag have solidified into ice cream. *Voice over explanation here*
  8. Open the gallon bag and use the thermometer to measure and record the temperature of the ice/salt mixture. (Optional?)
  9. Remove the quart bag, open it, serve the contents into cups with spoons and ENJOY!

History Adventures Online – Super Soaked

Learn about Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker! After AAMI education interns Sophie and Abby lead a history lesson, they’ll show you how to make your own simple water sprayer using a plastic water bottle and a thumbtack*. After you learn about the science behind the Super Soaker, you’ll have a chance to have your own water fight outside!

*Adult supervision is recommended for this activity.