AMES, IOWA – Iowa airports hosted around 2,000 students at more than 200 educational events last year, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation.

The events included field trips, tours, internships and job shadowing for students of all ages. According to Office of Aviation Director Michelle McEnany, “An airport can be a valuable teaching aid for Iowa educators. The local airport is a perfect place for a field trip to compliment classroom learning in math, science and engineering.”

In addition, students can learn about importing and exporting goods; the impact aviation has on business in Iowa's economy; and the importance of being connected to the rest of the world.

For more information regarding Iowa airports and their impact on Iowans' quality of life, visit www.iawings.com or contact the Office of Aviation, Iowa DOT, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010, telephone 515-239-1689.