How long does each station take?
Each of the 8 stations takes approximately 15 minutes, for a total of 2-2.5 hour experience.
How many students can participate per day?
- 8 groups can rotate simultaneously (1 group per station)
- Each group = 1 typical class size
- Capacity per day: 200–600 students, based on these 2-hour blocks:
- 8:30–10:30 AM
- 10:30–12:30 PM
- 1:00–3:00 PM
What space and accommodations are required?
- Access to campus as early as 6:30 AM
- 1,800 sq ft of open space (no desks, tables, or chairs)
- Minimum 18 ft ceiling height
- At least 4 standard 120-volt electrical outlets
- Loading dock area and/or entrance with close access to unpack and pack the trailer
- Parking space for a trailer (similar to a semi-truck)
Who facilitates the program?
Two Aero Explorer team members will lead the overall experience. Classroom teachers will guide their students through each activity station.
Can volunteers help?
Yes! We welcome 5–10 adult volunteers to support station activities alongside teachers. These can be teacher aids, select parents, or staff personnel.
Can parents attend?
No. This is a structured educational experience aligned with learning standards and designed for student–teacher engagement.
How long does it take you to setup the Aero Explorer program?
Approximately 1.5 hours.
What time does setup begin?
The team needs access to your campus as early as 6:30 AM on the day of your scheduled visit.
There is no one at the school building until 7:00am to check in visitors, my principal is wondering if you can work with that time instead of the 6:30am?
Start time is campus dependent. If you need us to set-up later, we will need to finish later. Will this work with your bell schedule?
What if we have small class sizes?
Small groups can be combined, up to a maximum of 25 students per group.
Our campus has fewer than 200 PK–3rd grade students. What are our options?
Partner with another school and host the event together at one location. Note: Aero Explorer cannot provide transportation.
Our district wants all students to attend. Can this be arranged?
Yes! We can remain set up at one location while students are transported by bus. This can even be over a multi-day period to accommodate all schools. Again, transportation is the district’s responsibility.
What should students wear?
Comfortable, activewear is recommended, just like for a PE class. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required.
How long will the program need to utilize the space they will set-up in?
It will take around 90 minutes to set-up the room, and must remain in place until we pack to go home. (For example, It can’t be moved out of a cafeteria to allow lunch, and then moved back in.) 2.5 hours are needed for each session (200 students), and another 45 minutes to pack-up. Basically, plan for us being in your space for at least half the school day. Our preference is to run several groups through in a day to make our trip worthwhile.
Can you make the experience shorter? We don’t have 2.5 hours available.
No, it takes a full 2.5 hours for students to go through all 8 stations and experience multiple professions. We will not abbreviate the program.
Space is an issue. Can we hold this event outdoors?
No. Our stations are not weatherproof and will need to be set-up in an indoor, climate-controlled area.
Will you set-up for a Family Night on our campus?
No. These activities are designed to be led by an educator for large groups of students in a defined educational setting. After school programs are an unintended audience.
Are there any follow-up lessons or programs for our students and educators?
Yes, the website will continue to be developed with activities, links, and ideas.
Do you have any photos of Aero Explorer in action so I can see what i looks like when implemented?
We are still in fabrication, but will post photos of design concepts and the finished activity stations as they are available.
Are food and drinks allowed?
No, food and drinks are not allowed. The many levers, buttons, and parts do not perform will after a sticky drink disaster.
Is the program wheelchair accessible?
Yes, We have worktop height platforms and the ability to remove chairs to accommodate wheelchair access. Students with severe disabilities may need more assistance from an aid to engage in hands-on activities.
Program Overview