The Strategic Air & Space Museum Announces ‘Football: The Exhibit’

For many of our readers in North America, there has long been a strong demographic connection between those with a love of aviation and a passion for the game of football. So while on the surface it may seem an odd thing for an aviation museum to do, the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ashland, Nebraska has collaborated with the Museum of Discovery in Arkansas to host that organization’s traveling exhibit ‘Football: The Exhibit’. And as odd as it may seem, there are a lot of connections between the physics involved in the North American game of football and the science of flight. By emphasizing this aspect, the museums stand a good chance of drawing attention from the younger generations who might not otherwise be interested in aviation, and this is a very good thing for the future of our mutual concerns…. so here is the Strategic Air & Space Museum’s official press release for further details….

(Sept. 9, 2015) ASHLAND, NE – The Strategic Air & Space Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of Football: The Exhibit, a popular traveling exhibit from the Museum of Discovery, Arkansas. Football: The Exhibit is a highly interactive 3,000 square foot exhibit that introduces visitors to the science, mathematics and technology behind the game and how they relate to our everyday lives.

Football: The Exhibit opens Saturday, October 3, 2015 and will be on display through January 3rd, 2016. Football: The Exhibit offers 25 hands-on activities and is divided into 9 different interactive zones. All activities focus on science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) content, which are all part of the National Science Education Standards for grades K-12. The Strategic Air & Space Museum, with the help of donations from sponsors, seeks to bring two popular traveling exhibits to the community annually. The museum focuses on fun interactive exhibits that teach and support lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content. The exhibits are open to the general public but are also popular amongst school field trips.

“Football: The Exhibit focuses on STEM content and also teaches the importance of activity in our daily lives. “Most people think of football as only a game, but laws and principles of science dictate the way the game is played,” said Phil Onwiler, Education Director at the Strategic Air & Space Museum. Football: The Exhibit provides hands-on learning covering a wide array of science topics through football themed areas such as Forward Pass and Game at the Line of Scrimmage. “Visitors are invited to test their throwing skills in the passing cage and learn what it truly means to have a rifle arm.” There is something for everyone, the hands-on activity stations comprise of everything from the physics of tackling to the balance needed for cheerleading. There is a marching band activity that teaches rotational motion, angular and linear velocity. Visitors can expect to learn about the history of the game, the equipment necessary, and the cutting edge medical technology used to prevent and treat common injuries.

Football: The Exhibit is free with paid admission to the Museum – $12 adult; $11:00 seniors and Military; $6 youth over 4 years, free for Museum members. For more information, please visit the museum website@ www.SASMuseum.com.

# # # About the Strategic Air & Space Museum A Smithsonian Affiliate, the Strategic Air & Space Museum is located between Lincoln and Omaha near Interstate 80, utilizes over 300,000 square feet of exhibit, education, and event space to ignite the thrill of discovery and innovation in guests of all ages. Organized in 1959, the original mission of the museum was to commemorate the contributions of the Strategic Air Command, which until 1992 was headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base. The museum moved to its current location in 1998 upon completion of a new indoor facility. The museum houses an impressive collection of military aircraft and space artifacts, many of which have been restored in the museum’s on-site restoration facility. To better serve the community, the museum has established a partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Office of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for students, teachers, families, and adult learners. Traveling exhibits, permanent exhibits, and a variety of special events provide additional unique experiences for the museum’s members and guests.