The Balloon Museum Education program recognizes that educational and interpretive programs are our most central connection to the community. The program encompasses a wide range of activities related to the Museum’s collections and special exhibits, designed for the instruction and enjoyment of various sectors of the public. It is important to this department to offer programming for students on-site and off that supports the Museum’s mission and State of New Mexico educational standards. Our programs provide opportunities to support the mission of the Museum by promoting greater public awareness of the Museum and its collections; enhancing visitors’ understanding of the subject matter of the collection; and encouraging the use of the Museum and its collection by schools, youth and community groups as well as adult learners and visiting scholars.

Educational Philosophy

Through a series of varied programs, displays, activities and events, the Museum should strive to reach as wide an audience as possible, both in partnership with schools and colleges, and informally with individuals, families and other groups. Educational and interpretive programs must be firmly based on the type of collection the Museum owns and complement the goals and objectives contained in our Museum’s mission statement. Such programs must also be designed to address criteria contained in the research, exhibition and conservation policies formulated by the Museum and follow recognized educational methodology and practices.

Schools Program

While a major emphasis in the schools program is on providing information and support to teachers planning class field trip visits, we also provide direct workshop sessions for teacher enrichment and to develop outreach programs for integrating the Balloon Museum into the Albuquerque Public Schools curriculum. We also develop programs for teacher education programs in concert with University of New Mexico School of Education.

This Schools Program includes:

• Preparation of curriculum-based Education Packs, Notebooks, and special materials related not only to permanent collection but to changing exhibitions. Development of teaching materials across the curriculum, to be integrated into APS classrooms, coordinating with APS standards
• Student tours, talks and activities, both in classroom setting and outdoors
• Teacher in-service programs
• Teacher evenings will be scheduled to preview new exhibitions
• Partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools, through their Join-a-School program, East San José Elementary School, and Albuquerque High School

Public and Community Program

We offer a wide range of events, many of which relate to changing exhibitions. They include:

• Talks, lectures and guided tours
• Film presentations
• Drama/dance/live performance workshops
• Drop-in art sessions and workshops
• Storytelling in the galleries
• Costumed interpretation
• Publications such as Education Packs, Information Sheets
• Leaflets, quizzes, or other gallery activities
• Seasonal holiday activities

Special Projects

As well as providing the core services above, we will develop special projects. These may range from collaborative efforts with partnering Museums in the New Mexico Association of Museums, and with out-of-state science centers and aviation Museums, to Family Weekends, Summer Day Camp, and lecture programs for seniors. We welcome suggestions from teachers and other community educators, with an aim to meet the goals and advance the mission of the AAAIBM.

Audiences and Education Services

The AAAIBM gears its programs annually toward a variety of audiences and will include in our program regularly scheduled tours, speakers series, Montgolfier Week celebrations each November to mark the first balloon flight, and other annual events held in conjunction with the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The Educational Services are specially designed to serve target audiences and enhance the Museum visitors’ experience.

Audiences Education Services