Press Release New Exhibit Experience at National Children’s Museum Takes Engineering to New Heights

August 9, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

– Flight Zone opens today and encourages young innovators to design and test paper airplanes –

WASHINGTON – Prepare for takeoff! Today, National Children’s Museum—a learn-through-play institution in downtown Washington, D.C., that sparks curiosity through science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs—opens a new exhibit experience, Flight Zone, that invites young aeronautical engineers to design, build and test paper airplanes. Flight Zone is generously supported by The Boeing Company.

Developed and fabricated by National Children’s Museum, Flight Zone is a comprehensive paper airplane test station that embodies the steps of the engineering design process. A table, where children can create their paper airplanes, opens up to an encaged runway where they’ll test their models from a launcher. As they iterate on their design to improve their prototypes, young learners will be introduced to the principles of flight.

“Research tells us that learning through play is the best way for young children to retain information.” said Crystal R. Bowyer, president + CEO of National Children’s Museum. “Paper airplane building at Flight Zone merges a classic children’s activity with important STEM principles to create simple magic. We are grateful to The Boeing Company for their incredible partnership to bring this experience to life and for their commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

Flight Zone is the second STEM collaboration between leading global aerospace company, Boeing, and National Children’s Museum. Earlier this year, the Museum partnered with Boeing and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to open Curiosity Runway, a children’s playspace inside Reagan National Airport.

Flight Zone is included in the cost of Museum admission. Tickets to the Museum are $15.95 for adults and children 1 and older and are free for children under 1 and Museum members. For more information about the exhibit at National Children’s Museum, please visit the Museum’s website: www.nationalchildrensmuseum.org/engineering-games-play.

Located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW off the Woodrow Wilson Plaza, National Children’s Museum is open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day except Tuesdays.

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About Boeing

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

About National Children’s Museum 

STEAM adventure awaits at National Children’s Museum, located in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. With a mission to inspire children to care about and change the world, the Museum sparks curiosity and ignites creativity for children under the age of twelve and their families. Through playful science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) based exhibits, programs and virtual offerings, the Museum reaches millions of people each year. Learn more and plan your visit at nationalchildrensmuseum.org.