TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Windy Tunnel
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate Bernoulli's Principle as it relates to winged flight. The students will use computers to see the influence of camber and airfoil angle of attack on the lift.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: May the Force Be With You: Lift
Learners revisit Bernoulli's Principle (Lesson 1 of the Airplanes unit) and learn how engineers use this principle to design airplane wings. Airplane wings create lift by changing the pressure of the air around it. This is the first of...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What Makes Airplanes Fly?
Students begin to explore the idea of a force. To further their understanding of drag, gravity and weight, they conduct activities that model the behavior of parachutes and helicopters. An associated literacy activity engages the class...
Other
E Gfi: Lesson: Get a Lift
In this lesson, learners are introduced to the four forces of flight-drag, lift, thrust, and weight-through a variety of fun-filled flight experiments. Students will "fly" for short periods and then evaluate factors that might either...
Other
K 3 Learning Pages: Web Resources Thunderstorms
Check out this comprehensive list of web resources on thunderstorms and safety. Students and teachers will benefit from the links found on this site.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Flight of the Champions (3/3)
Third graders get excited about constructing, competing, and cheering each other on. This instructional activity integrates all three!
PBS
Pbs Nova: Pilot the Wright Brothers' Flyer
In this interactive, find out how the Wright brothers' design of the first flyer provided lift and speed, and allowed the pilot to make adjustments in response to changes in wind speed and direction.
NASA
Nasa: Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Includes exhaustive information and a wealth of activities pertaining to aerodynamics and the physics of flight.
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Give It a Lift
Students will gain an overall picture of how oil can be recovered from a rock formation using artificial lifting equipment, such as a pumping unit.
MadSci Network
Mad Scientist Network: How Do Planes Fly Upside Down?
Question and answer regarding the physics principles that apply to a plane flying upside down.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: The Frontiers Decade: Wonders of the World
Emulate the work of a naturalist by making observations of wildlife in local parks. Record field notes, including drawings, photographs and observations of behavior, on a particular animal or habitat.
University of Sydney (Australia)
University of Sydney: Vortex Lattice Method
This chapter from an on-line aeronautics text covers the theoretical aspects of the vortex lattice method.
Michigan Reach Out
Nasa Trc: Flying Wing
In this lesson plan students can make a flying wing and trouble-shoot until the wing glides smoothly.
Michigan Reach Out
Reach Out!: Making Paper Airplane Gliders
Students learn the fundamentals of aerodynamics in this hands-on exercise.
Michigan Reach Out
Reach Out Michigan: Ping Pong Ball Curves
This is an experiment that will allow observation on how friction will make a ping pong ball curve when it is thrown into the air.
PBS
Newton's Apple: Frisbee Physics
This teacher's guide from Public Television's Newton's Apple discusses and illustrates the physics principles governing the flight of a frisbee. Includes teacher lesson plans, activity ideas, discussion questions, and information about...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Hot Air Balloon Experiment
Explore how heat affects the density of air by building and flying a hot air balloon using large plastic bags and the hot air from an electric hairdryer.
Other
Pacifier Online: Bird Flight Basics
This site provides a simplified explanation of the physics of flight. Site provides information about lift, drag, weight, thrust, Bernoulli's Principle, and much more.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute Online: Working Wing
This lesson plan provides a brief demonstration of how airplane wings lift a heavy airplane into the air. This activity would be an excellent example of how science and technology have positively impacted our lives. Prediction and...
Other
60 Second Science: Air Putting It to Work
Investigate the properties of air. Observe the water vapor present in our exhaled breath.
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Rescue Mission, Design Experiment
Design and build a hook that can be used to grab and lift canisters floating in water. Test the design and make revisions as needed.
University of Minnesota
The Physics of Flight: Bernoulli's Principle
Discusses air flow around the wing of a plane and its effect upon the lift and drag forces. Focuses on the application of Bernoulli's principle to wing design and the subsequent airfoil shapes.
NASA
Nasa: How Things Fly
Easy to read guide from NASA on the basics of flight. Great graphics and some simulations are included.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Lab Activity: Helicopter
The Illinois Institute of Technology lets students investigate the aerodynamics of a helicopter, focusing on the variables which effect the lift, thrust, drag, and weight. Students investigate the effects of aerodynamics on a wide board.