The Aerodynamic Forces of Flight Module

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Lesson Structure and Evaluation


1. Goals:
Design and execute experiments, gather data to answer relevant questions, and communicate results and conclusions to an audience using traditional methods and contemporary technology
Develop an understanding of the relationship between pressure and velocity, describe and analyze the effects of the four aerodynamic forces on aircraft performance
Conduct research using a variety of sources (written, oral, electronic etc.) and use contemporary technology to produce documents of publication for specific purposes and audiences


2. Materials:
  
Each experiment has its own set of material listed at the beginning of the lesson.
The experiments are:
 An Airfoil Experiment
Wing Design and Aspect Ratio Experiment
An experiment to show how lift is created by the application of Bernoulli's Principle
Make a simple Glider Model
A Thrust Experiment
An experiment about drag using paper shapes
Internet access

3. Suggested timeline:
1st Day--Integrated activities in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Fine Arts that can be extended throughout the module.
2nd and 3rd Days--Conduct various experiments to investigate the relationship between pressure and velocity and describe its effects on aircraft performance
4th and 5th Days--Conduct research and hands-on experiments to explore the four forces of flight: lift, gravity, thrust, and drag. Explore how aircraft design affects an airplane's performance in the air.


4. Evaluation:
On-going throughout the module with the difference experiments and problems suggested on the homepage.
• Activities suggested at the "Lesson extension suggestions" as following.