The Smithsonian Institution: The Importance of Informal Science Education with Shannon Baldioli

ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Museum insights and programs for teachers and students. The conversation between Dave and Shannon revolves around their visit to the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center. They discuss their favorite exhibits and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the massive aircraft and spacecraft up close. Shannon shares stories about the Corona program's satellite bucket and the SR-71 Blackbird, highlighting the fascinating engineering and history behind them. They also discuss the importance of informal science education and the impact it has on children's curiosity and learning. Shannon talks about the museum's education outreach programs, including the Explainers Program and teacher professional development. They also touch on the ongoing renovation of the museum on the National Mall and the new exhibits that will be opening in the coming years. In this conversation, Dave and Shannon discuss their experiences visiting museums and the awe-inspiring exhibits they encountered. They emphasize the importance of visiting museums on less crowded days to fully appreciate the exhibits. Shannon shares her excitement about working at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the incredible stories behind the artifacts. They also discuss the safety of flying and the role of critical thinking in assessing risks. Shannon provides valuable resources for teachers, including the Smithsonian Learning Lab and the STEM in 30 series. They conclude by discussing the significance of museums in providing diverse role models and showcasing the contributions of underrepresented individuals in science and astronomy. STEM in 30 series: https://airandspace.si.edu/learn/programs/stem-30 Smithsonian Air & Space, Educator Professional Development https://airandspace.si.edu/learn/professional-development

ABOUT SHANNON

Educator Engagement specialist and expert nerd herder, Shannon Baldioli has been at the National Air and Space Museum for over ten years. She currently coordinates the Education Department’s portfolio of teacher professional development programs, manages the museum’s annual fly-in event, and works on an exhibition development team. Shannon taught in elementary, middle, and high schools in Northeast Ohio after getting a teaching degree from Kent State University. During and after getting her Masters in Museum Education from the George Washington University, she worked at a variety of museums in Maryland and DC. On the weekends find her getting dizzy on playground equipment with her two daughters, babying her gardens, watching an endless loop of Graham Norton Show clips on YouTube, and visiting as many MLB and MiLB stadiums as she can with her family. (Let’s go O’s!)