Airport hosts Space Day

More than 25 hands-on aerospace activities will be available next weekend at the Carson City Airport for the 2011 Nevada Space Day.

"Participants can enjoy a full day of science, technology, engineering and math activities, inspiring kids to explore aerospace and aviation careers," said Dee Frewert, education director for Space Science for Schools.

Kids can view space from dual digital planetariums, build model rockets, create alien space crafts, make comets, view the sun through telescopes, take a ride on a human gyroscope, land a plane in a simulator, fly over Carson City, experience Mars in 3D and more.

"There's really nothing in Northern Nevada that comes close to this," Frewert said. "It's an opportunity for families to come and enjoy learning together."

Local aerospace companies will be on hand to show what they do, even bringing a robot to interact with the children.

Frewert said having companies model their technology helps kids see potential career paths for the future.

"It's an amazing connection when they doing something in play and that translates into, 'Wow, this would be a really cool job,'" she said. "They see these are the companies they can work for."

Space Science for Schools is bringing together the Challenger Learning Center of Reno, the Fleischmann Planetarium, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 403, the Northern Nevada Development Authority Dream it Do it Program and FIRSTNV to assemble the activities.

The Nevada Space Day will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 14 at the Carson CityAirport, Sterling Air Hangar, 2640 College Parkway.

Cost is $6 per child and accompanying adults are free. Before Sunday, admission is $5 via PayPal at ss4sregister@gmail.com.

Families with four or more children are $20, and $6 additional for Orbitron Ride.

All activities are first come, first served. Game and activity prizes are available while supplies last. Lunch is available on site.