Ready to launch into a world of science, technology, engineering, and math? Join the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum for a free, high-energy day of hands-on discovery for Alameda youth on Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you’re a budding engineer or a future astronaut, there’s something on the hangar deck to spark your curiosity.
Explore interactive drop-in stations all day. No registration is required for these hands-on activities:
- Depressurization chambers: See physics in action as we manipulate air pressure.
- Coding robots: Program your way through challenges.
- Hydraulic builds: Master the power of fluid mechanics.
- Math puzzles: Test your logic with mind-bending teasers.
- Catapults: Design and test your own siege machine to learn about potential and kinetic energy.
In addition to the all-day activities, special demonstrations also will be presented. These presentations are free but pre-registration is required, as space is limited.
- 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. — The Bell Jar: Exploring the vacuum of space.
Explore the power of pressure. Using a simple marshmallow, you’ll witness the dramatic expansion of trapped gases, the same “puffing” effect that would affect an unshielded astronaut in space. This class takes place in one of our historic pilot ready rooms. - 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. — Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Power in motion.
This demonstration explores the high-energy mechanics of aircraft carrier catapults, demonstrating how hydraulic fluid and compressed air work in tandem to accelerate multi-ton jets to takeoff speeds in seconds. This lesson takes place in our catapult machinery compartment. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Morse Code: The original instant messaging.
Master the art of tactical secrecy by exploring how Morse code and cryptography have served as the invisible backbone of military operations, transforming raw data into decisive strategic advantages. This demonstration happens in our top-secret Radio Central. - Noon and 2 p.m. — 4 Forces of Flight: How a 40,000lb jet stays in the air.
Explore the dynamic balance of lift, weight, thrust, and drag to see how aerodynamic theory transforms into tactical edge during high-G air combat maneuvers. This lesson takes place in the Officer’s Ward Room.
Learn more about these special demonstrations and be sure to pre-register online.
And last, but definitely not least, the Ultimate Egg Drop Contest starts at 1 p.m. on the Flight Deck. Do you have what it takes to protect a fragile payload from a high-altitude plunge? Put your engineering skills to the test and compete for the ultimate prize—a free STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Overnight experience for a family of four.
Be sure to read about the competition, including all of the official rules for this year’s Ultimate Egg Drop Contest, on the USS Hornet Youth STEM Day webpage.
Sponsored by the HEARST Foundations, the USS Hornet’s Alameda Youth STEM Day includes free admission with proof of Alameda residency:
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid identification card
- A utility, phone, or other local bill with your name and address, along with a current, valid photo I.D.
Also note that children under 6 are always free.
The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at 707 West Hornet Avenue. Free parking is available.
