Physics of Flight: Labor Day Weekend at the Science Mill

Aug 30 (Sat) - 10am-4pm
Aug 31 (Sun) - 12pm=4pm
Sep 1 (Mon) - 10am-4pm

Scientists have always been fascinated by flight and have spent centuries creating solutions for launching stones, jets, and even humans into the air. From August 30 to September 1, step into the shoes of a physicist by exploring the forces of flight through fun, special activities like quadcopter demonstrations, exploring aerofoils, launching Pitsco rockets, and more!

Whether you're a budding aviation enthusiast or simply curious about how planes soar through the sky, this event is designed to ignite your imagination and deepen your understanding of aerodynamics.

ACTIVITIES

Ready, Aim, Blast Off! - Ready for liftoff? It's your turn to become an aerospace engineer! You'll have the chance to design and build your very own straw rocket, then launch it using our Pitsco Rocket Launcher. Test your skills by adjusting your rocket's design, experimenting with different launch angles, and seeing how far or how high it can fly. Will your rocket go the distance or reach new heights? The challenge is on!

High-Pressure High-Fliers - Get ready to build, test, and fly! In this hands-on activity, you’ll create your own mini airfoil and explore how Bernoulli’s Principle helps wings generate lift. Once your wing is built, use a blast of air to see how its shape creates the force that gets it off the ground. Whether you’re an aerodynamics engineer or just love to explore, this activity is a great way to see science in action.

Quadcopter Quest - Ever wondered how a drone works from the inside out? Visit the Science Mill and get hands-on with a custom-built quadcopter created by our team! Explore the science of flight and the basics of electronics as we break down the physics of how drones fly and reveal how their electrical circuits power every move. Get ready to let your inner pilot take flight!

SPECIAL GUESTS

AUGUST 30 (SAT)

Meet Master Naturalists Bill Blevins, Dan Ross, and Derek Ross, and retired pilot Ken Langley.

Ken Langley served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. While in the USAF, he learned to fly and has over 50 years of safe and enjoyable flight experience. Ken will be representing the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles program during his visit to the Science Mill. The Young Eagles program has introduced aviation to over 2.5 million kids since its inception in 1992. Young Eagles offers complimentary flights for children ages 8 to 17, along with additional educational services designed to inspire and support their interest in joining the aviation community.

SEPTEMBER 1 (MON)

Meet Carlton (Carl) S. Davis at the Science Mill on September 1 (Mon)! Current Director of Aviation for Schreiner University in Kerrville, TX, and former Executive with 20+ years in Flight Training and 12+ years in Flight Training Management. Experience in both flight and simulator training. Knowledge of Cabin Safety Training operations. General Aviation, Corporate, Airline, and OEM flight operations experience. Knowledge and experience in the accreditation of college and university flight training programs. Familiarity with flight training operations and regulators worldwide. Former member of the advisory panel to EASA on flight training. Former member ICAO advisory panel. Co-founder of the Aircraft Manufacturers Flight Training Association (AMFTA). Architect and leader of the new training and safety pilot team for Boeing. Experienced with AQP, EBT & CBTA, FAR Part 141, FAR Part 142.

SPECIAL MOVIE SCREENING: wingsuit flyers (3d)

Only on Labor Day weekend. Plays every half hour.

The quest to fly like a bird, unaided by machine has captured the imagination of humankind as long as we have been gazing upon the world’s natural flyers. Wingsuit flight provides us with the chance to experience what it would be like to fly like a bird. Adrenaline seekers are traveling the world in search of one exhilarating experience after the next. Our elite pilots have set records in their search for longer and more challenging flights. In this epic giant screen experience, we catch a ride with some of the best flyers in the world.

All activities are free with museum admission. Check out our FAQ for more information.