Explore the history of flight on August 19th for National Aviation Day.
In 1939, National Aviation Day was established by President Franklin Roosevelt as a way to celebrate the achievements of intrepid pioneers of early aviation. Today, it’s a great opportunity to explore the history and revolutionary technologies that led to the first aircrafts taking flight, as well as those trailblazing aviators who conquered uncharted territories up above. While we learn about aviation’s past, we can also look towards its future, from diverse career opportunities to how the purpose of air travel continues to evolve today.
Check out the high-flying videos, activities, and crafts below to celebrate National Aviation Day with your family. They’re sure to inspire an interest in design, engineering, and exploration!
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Explore the History & Science of Flight
KidVision | A Day With a Pilot
Grades PreK-K
Follow Miss Penny as she visits an American Airlines Pilot at the Miami International Airport. Learn all about airplanes, airports, and the people who help fly planes! Safe Travels!
The Airplane’s Family Tree: From the Wright Brothers to Today | STEM in 30
Grades 3-8
Did you know that the parts of airplanes today can be traced directly back to the Wright Flyer and the work of Orville and Wilbur Wright? Join STEM in 30 as we trace the family tree of the airplane from that first flight on December 17, 1903, to today.
Buzz the Tower: How Bees Influence Aviation
Grades 3-8
Bees are important to the environment, but did you know they are also important for the aerospace industry? In this episode you will learn all about bees, and the research being done on them. You will also see how the honeycomb structure is used in the aerospace industry as well as learn tips on how you can help bees in your backyard.
Teachable Moment: Bernoulli’s Principle | Fast Forward
Grades 6-12
If you’ve ever wondered how planes fly, this video will help, as our experts explain Bernoulli’s Principle.
The Future of Aviation Tested in the North Country | Mountain Lake Journal
Grades 6-12
What could be a revolution in aviation is taking place in the skies over the North Country. BETA Technologies, a company based in Vermont, has been testing a new type of aircraft powered entirely by electricity. We talk with Chris Caputo about flights being conducted out of a hangar on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, and the new generation of electric aircraft that can fly like a plane but also take-off and land vertically like a helicopter.
All About Famous Aviators
Ruth Law Thrills a Nation | Reading Rainbow Stories
Grades K-5
Learn about pilot Ruth Law in this true story about her record-breaking flight in 1916. Watch as host LeVar Burton discusses the history of aviation and explores the inside of a biplane. LeVar talks about how early plane travel required great courage.
Amelia Earhart | Aviator, Record-breaker, and Activist
Grades 3-8
Amelia Earhart was a pioneer of early aviation, courageously flying airplanes at a time when the risks were high. Equally bold was her pursuit of a career as a woman in a non-traditional field. Learn about Earhart’s passion for flying and determination to succeed as a female aviator.
Milestones of Flight: The Lindberghs | STEM in 30
Grades 3-8
Charles Lindbergh is probably best known for making the first solo flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. However, Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, also reached other milestones in aviation. This episode of STEM in 30 explores the Lindberghs’ aviation-related accomplishments.
Bessie Coleman | Unladylike2020
Grades 6-12
Explore how Bessie Coleman became the first female black pilot and the first African American to hold an international license to fly during the era of Jim Crow – a time when it seemed impossible – laying the groundwork for future African American pilots.
The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers | Barrington Irving
Grades 6-12
Meet pilot Barrington Irving in this video profile from NOVA’s “The Secret Life of Scientists & Engineers.” Barrington came from humble beginnings but with the help of a mentor, was inspired to become a pilot. In 2007, Barrington became the first African American and youngest pilot to fly around the world solo. When he landed, he realized he could use his story to help other students achieve and today he runs an educational foundation called Experience Aviation.
Games, Activities & More
Dino Flight | Dinosaur Train
Grades PreK-2
Help Jackson and Buddy practice their high-flying moves in this game from Dinosaur Train!
Cardboard Box Airplane
Grades K-3
Take flight! Make an airplane from a cardboard box for a simple and incredibly fun way to engage in imaginative play with your child.
Build a Better Bunny-Copter
Grades 3-5
Help your child build a twirling bunny-copter with this simple, DIY activity!
100 Years of Passenger Air Travel
Grades 6-12
Immerse yourself in five illustrated scenes, each depicting an era of passenger flight, and explore the changes that have occurred in passenger air travel since the dawn of commercial aviation, in this interactive graphic timeline produced by WGBH and The Documentary Group.
Engineer a Jetliner
Grades 6-12
Experience the engineering design process as an aerospace engineer assigned to design and test an airplane, in this interactive produced by WGBH and The Documentary Group.