Air & Flight teaches in a visual and interactive way the four basic principals of flight: gravity, lift, thrust and drag. It demonstrates important properties of air pressure, flight and aerodynamics while promoting the principles of scientific inquiry. The multi-faceted exhibit features the following:

Air Cannon

Experience the power and force of moving air. By striking the surface of the air cannon, visitors can see the effects of a blast of air on various objects.

Flight Simulator

Hop in an airplane cockpit that allows you to experience flying an airplane in a realistic setting! Choose a type of plane, operate the controls and experience the effects of take off, flying and landing an aircraft.

Flow Tunnel

This tank is filled with a special fluid that allows you to experiment with and observe the principles of turbulence and drag - essential knowledge for aspiring airplane designers.

Air Tubes

There is lots of fun and lots of learning with our ever-popular air tubes. Float balls in the air and learn about the Bernoulli effect.

Fly the Airplane

Operate the controls of a miniature plane in a wind tunnel. Learn how rudders, ailerons and elevators guide an airplane.

Hot Air Balloon

Manipulate airflow and watch the effects on a mini hot air balloon as it rises and descends.

Air Table

Learn while playing with air! This exhibit is a table of flowing air that visitors can move and manipulate with gates and barriers.

A-Mazing Airways

Experiment with air in this 12 ft by 8ft vertical maze of clear tubes. Use gates to change the direction of balls and scarves that move through the tubes.

Funding for Air & Flight came from Woodward Governor Company, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, United Parcel Service, Invensys Building System and Hamilton Sundstrand/UTC.