Tiny rock fans will take over the National Air and Space Museum for a live performance by Rocknoceros Wednesday morning, Oct. 22. The “Flights of Fancy” early childhood school program kicks off with a morning of hands-on activities and a special performance by the award-winning children’s music band.

The museum’s early childhood education program, funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, introduces young children—ages 3 to 8—to the history and science behind aviation and space through hands-on activities, story times and dramatic play. Teachers will be able to schedule story times and educational activities during the week for school groups ranging from preschool to second grade; there are ongoing programs for older students.

The program begins Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., when more than 200 children from the Watkins Elementary School and Peabody Early Learning Center will take part in story times with favorites such as “Hot Air Henry” and “Dogs in Space.” Starting at 10:30 a.m., the public is invited to join in the festivities with activity stations around the museum and a live concert by Rocknoceros, whose album “Dark Side of the Moon Bounce” was recognized as the 2008 Children’s Record of the Year by the Washington Area Music Association.

# # #

SI-454-2008