The event took place April 27-30 and featured hands-on educational activities for students in grades four through eight. It was NASA Ames' fifth Aero Expo in four years.

This year the theme was "A Future in Flight." Students had the opportunity to see airplanes up close, learn about careers in aeronautics and try their hand at various educational activities.

Aero Expo is part of NASA's educational outreach program and is designed to teach young people about technology-related careers. Frank Aguilera, NASA's department director of the aerospace systems program, said, "One of the big areas for NASA is education. We are trying to foster and recruit future individuals to help support NASA."

Laura Shawnee, NASA's program manager for informal education, said activities like Aero Expo provide an ideal environment to teach children about aeronautics. "Research studies show that learning occurs out of the classroom, as well," Shawnee said. "Activities like Aero Expo allow students to take concepts they learn here and relate them to their math and science classes."

She said that one of students' favorite math- and science-related activities at Aero Expo is Smart Skies, a simulation of air traffic control. Children sit at a computer module and figure out how to get several planes to arrive safely at the same destination. Students have to use math to calculate how fast each plane is going and how long it will take the planes to arrive at their destination.

While one group of students mans the simulated air-traffic control station, another group pilots the miniature, control-operated airplanes. Together, participants try to avoid a collision and get each plane to the airport safely and on time.

"They play roles that are in reality," Shawnee said. "Next time they are on a plane, they will have a greater understanding and appreciation of what is going on, and they can tell their parents what they've learned."

More importantly, she said, activities like Smart Skies familiarize students with math and science and help prepare them for a future career using these subjects. Shawnee said careers in the technology field often require students to begin planning early in their academic career so they can get into advanced math and science classes.

"It's very important to make students aware early on of all their choices and opportunities," she said.

Another popular exhibit at Aero Expo is the airplane display at Hangar One. Military and civilian airplane owners volunteer to present their planes and teach students about piloting and aircraft mechanics. This year, the exhibit included a U.S. Air Force airplane, a Black Hawk helicopter from the Army and several small aircraft.

Gilroy resident Pat Greco flew his Engineering Research Coupe into the NASA flight line at Hangar One for the event. Greco learned to fly six years ago at age 59. He said he has attended Aero Expo every year since its inception.

"I have always liked airplanes," he said. "I have a great love of aviation. I think one of the greatest things we can do for the future of the country is promote aviation."