EDUCATION, PROGRAMS, AND GROUP VISITS
The China Lake Museum brings the history of China Lake, its people, and their contributions to naval aviation and national defense to life. Exhibits and artifacts help visitors explore the curiosity, teamwork, testing, and engineering behind China Lake’s achievements. Scheduled school visits, docent-led tours, lectures, and hands-on STEAM activities provide additional opportunities for learning throughout the year.
STEAM Discovery Center Classroom
STEAM DISCOVERY CENTER
Opened in August 2025, the STEAM Discovery Center serves as the home of the museum’s educational outreach and hands-on learning programs. Activities introduce students to the science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics behind the work conducted at China Lake.
Current class topics include Art, Introduction to Aviation, Science of Flight, Introduction to Rocket Science, Advanced Rocket Science, and Navigation. Class schedules and availability vary.
Small Rocket Launch
Introduction to Aviation
Navigation
Science of Flight
SCHOOL VISITS
Bring students to explore aviation, rockets, guided weapons, local history, and scientific problem-solving. Museum visits connect history with science, engineering, technology, and teamwork through exhibits, artifacts, discussion, and hands-on learning opportunities.
School visits may include exhibit tours, demonstrations, and age-appropriate activities depending on volunteer availability.
GROUP VISITS
Whether you're planning a visit for a civic organization, veterans group, homeschool co-op, club, family reunion, or tour group, the museum welcomes groups of many sizes. Advance scheduling helps us provide the best experience and coordinate volunteer guides when available. Docent-led tours can provide additional context, technical insight, and stories that may not be apparent from the exhibits alone.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, the museum hosts lectures, demonstrations, guest speakers, community events, and special programs that explore the history, technology, and people of China Lake. Lectures often include technical insights, personal recollections, and stories that are not captured in exhibit labels or traditional histories.
See our Events Calendar or Facebook page for upcoming programs.
VOLUNTEER-LED LEARNING
Volunteers are at the heart of many museum programs. If you enjoy education, history, aviation, engineering, photography, archives, or public speaking, we'd love your help sharing the story of China Lake.
Whether you’re an engineer, educator, student, historian, photographer, archivist, or public speaker, there may be a place for you to help share the story of China Lake.