The Sky's the Limit
Dream about the future possibilities of science & technology
Introduction
In The Sky’s the Limit pod, exhibits are designed to encourage people to dream about the future trends and possibilities in science and technology. Interactive, hands-on exhibits will captivate imaginations in a way that connects and ultimately challenges visitors to see themselves within the context of aviation. Museum exhibits will highlight future trends and possibilities in technology for current and future generations. Visitors will explore the stories and impact of historical figures in aviation, and how their pursuits and achievements endure to this day.
In addition, museum exhibits in this area will examine national issues pertaining to aviation, science and technology. One exhibit will explore the nation’s ability to supply its own science and technology workforce. Another exhibit will deal with the U.S. providing global leadership in the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students, in particular, will be encouraged to imagine how they can become involved in aviation and other technology and science focused hobbies and careers.
Identifying the Needs
China graduates ten times more
engineers than the United States,
and India graduates seven times
more engineers. (USA Today,
1/29/06) Today, there are 80,000
more full time engineering undergraduate
students in Mexico than
in the U.S.
In a January 2006 speech, President Bush warned, “We’ve got to have kids that are the best in science and math. Otherwise, jobs are going where the workforce has the needed skills.” A report by the National Academy of Sciences raised the following concerns:
1) The United Sates imports more “high-technology” products than it exports; and,
2) High school students generally score below their international counterparts in math and science. (USA Today, 1/29/06)
Topic Description
Topics in the The Sky’s the Limit area will contemplate some of the latest trends in aviation, many of which are in the experimental stages.
The Aviation Careers exhibit explores
the diverse careers offered
in aviation and other technologically
advanced fields, including
professionals who design, build,
and engineer aircraft; fly aircraft;
maintain aircraft; and work in
service-related industries related
to aviation.
Displays may feature some of the following techology:
- Flying Cars
- Global Air Traffic Management
- Hypersonic Flight
- Levitation
- Organic/Different Materials
- New Propulsion Technologies
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- Vertical Flight
- EcoJets
- Space Tourism Travel
The AMMG will use relevant, reallife examples to bring these topics alive wherever possible.
In addition, exhibits will highlight nontraditional uses of aviation such as personal flight. This section will examine aviation in Georgia while emphasizing its many aviation organizations, installations and manufacturers.
Intended Impact
The short-term goal of the The Sky’s the Limit pod is to inspire critical thought about the future of aviation in the nation, and to encourage visitors to reflect on how STEM and aviation impacts their daily lives. The long-term goal is to see a greater portion of AMMG visitors, particularly children and youth, entering fields of study and careers related to aviation. The AMMG actively works with and seeks out partnerships with key corporations and educational institutions for feedback and input on museum topics and funding issues.
