The Balloon Museum Education Programs and Policy

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 and for integrating the Balloon Museum into the Albuquerque Public Schools curriculum.

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
Partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools, through their Join-a-School program.

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

They include:

Talks, lectures and guided tours
Film presentations
Storytelling in the galleries - "Stories in the Sky"
Publications such as Education Packs, Information Sheets
Handouts, 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, 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.