The Ames Exploration Encounter (AEE) is a unique facility at Ames that resides inside a portion of a wind tunnel.

The AEE is open from September to June with more than 250 classes of fourth, fifth and sixth graders visiting every year.

Previously, we published letters written by students who visited the AEE last school year.

Below are some letters written by students who visited the AEE in October 2007.

Dear Docent,
I liked when you told us you “sended” robots to a planet. I didn’t believe that robots are still alive.
Sincerely,
Keshawn , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I learned the parts of the plane. The “rutter”, the elevator, I think the rotten and something I can’t remember.
Sincerely,
Debbie , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I liked the field trip. I learned 3 new words but I forgot them,
Sincerely,
Julio , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
When I first step in the lab I was Incredulous, and when I first saw you I thought you were the best space scientist ever. Because I didn’t know what you were saying so I knew you were the best. From, Kevin , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I especially liked the GPS. I hope it will be famous in the future. Your Crew Member, Alvin , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
You were a very cool tourist and I hope I see you again. The thing I liked was when we got the blow driver and blew the tennis balls. From, Jordan , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I learned the airplane has to stay good on the air or it falls down.
Sincerely,
Francisco , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
Thanks for teaching us that astronauts drink 600 gallons in 100 days.
Sincerely,
Manuel , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I want to be an astronaut when I get older. The only thing I’m worried about is my bed, shower, family, animals, and bathroom.
Sincerely,
Brianna A future astronaut!

Dear Docent,
I enjoyed my field trip. I liked the astro orbit chairs, because we got to spin with a friend and throw stuff. I learned if you throw a satellite directly at Jupiter, it will miss.
Sincerely,
Raina , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
The most fun thing there was probably the miniature model of a wind tunnel because I put my hair on it and it stuck to the wind tunnel. Kirstynn , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I learned that they recycle the space shuttle if it lands in California. Then they strap it to a plane and fly the plane to Florida. Conor , 5th Grader

Dear Docent,
I learned a lot of stuff like you can get dizzy and learn at the same time.
Sincerely,
Mackenzie , 5th Grader