Joe Clark Innovation Lab

Joe Clark Innovation Lab


Inspiring young learners to become the next generation of aerospace innovators became a strategic priority for the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2019.

Since then, we have created an elementary school STEM curriculum that has reached over 6,000 classrooms, produced a video series featuring the stories of aerospace professionals, and built an immersive, multipurpose theater. The latest jewel in our crown is the Joe Clark Innovation Lab, a $1.2 million, 1,600-square-foot hub for students, visitors, and aviation enthusiasts to delve into the world of aerospace.

The energy surrounding the Lab’s opening has been electric—students, parents, teachers, community members, and media (link) have been eager to explore the learning and brainstorming spaces, as well as interact with aviation materials and technology tools. We’re excited for the students and educators who will participate in our science programs and camps, and for everyone who will use the space for special events, meetings, birthday parties, and other small gatherings.

But the Lab is more than just a facility. It’s a tribute to the innovative spirit of NAHF Enshrinee Joe Clark, who invented a wingtip device that enhances aircraft performance, saving billions of gallons of fuel and reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Clark set a new standard for what’s possible in aerospace, and we believe that every student who enters the Lab will be inspired to do the same.

LAB EVENTS

SCIENCE SATURDAYS

Free science and aviation demonstrations for the public on the third Saturday of the month

SPECIAL EVENTS, CLASSES, GATHERINGS

  • Adult maker nights
  •  Aviation-themed classes for kids
  •  Aviation- and space-themed party packages
  • Work-team events and meetings

SUMMER CAMPS

Week-long aviation-and space-themed camps for ages 6 to 17

LAB LESSONS

On-site, standards-aligned K-12 curriculum

CATCHING THE WIND

Students learn about the forces of flight through a study of kites and how they fly.

FAST & EFFICIENT FLIGHT

Students learn about aerodynamics by building, testing, and refining paper aircraft.

SPACE EXPLORATION

Students learn about aerodynamics and propulsion by building and launching straw rockets—and then building a rocket retrieval mechanism.


 

Go Hands on!

Lab visitors can see and touch aviation equipment, like throttle quadrants, which control aircraft engine power, and a tachometer, which measures engine speed.

with generous support from

  • Aviation Partners
  • Bruce R. McCaw Family Foundation
  • Berry Family Foundation
  • Cirrus
  • Maggie Clark
  • The Estate of SB Joseph Clark
  • The Dayton Foundation
  • Gary Dunn, FRAeS
  • Garmin
  • Hartzell Propeller
  • Kettering Fund
  • Clay Lacy
  • Mid-Continental Instruments and Avionics
  • National Aviation Heritage Alliance
  • Ohio 529, CollegeAdvantage
  • Ohio Facilities Construction Commission