University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: On the Wing: Birds, Skeeters, Jet Planes
Evolution through natural selection governs the "design" of flying creatures. Engineers design flying machines. But flying is about physics, and physics is the ultimate arbiter of both processes, and that produces parallels in mechanical...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Hoopster
Students create their own airplane using straws and other materials and learn the principles of aerodynamics.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Spinning Blimps
Students create a blimp and then experiment with the design to improve its aerodynamics.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Roto Copter
Students can experiment with a home-made helicopter that lets them change the blades to see how real aerodynamics work.
Open Door Team
Open Door Web Site: Movement in the Air
A site on how birds fly discusses their anatomy that allows them to fly. Also discusses the role that feathers play in flight. Also includes a section which discusses other insects that fly.
Other
Amelia Earhart: The Official Website
A woman wrapped in the mysterious lore of the past makes for an unforgettable character. That, plus the mystique of incredible bravery gives Amelia Earhart a lasting place in history. To this day, her death is unsolved and her character...
University of Chicago
Flights Before the Wrights: Octave Chanute, Chicago
A site that chronicles the life of Octave Chanute, an aeronautical engineer involved in flight before the Wright brothers.
University of Chicago
Flights Before the Wrights: Octave Chanute, Chicago
A site that chronicles the life of Octave Chanute, an aeronautical engineer involved in flight before the Wright brothers.
Other
National Science Digital Library: Smile: Make and Fly a Helicopter
Sourced by Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, students and educators will engage in building a helicopter and making it fly. Adaptations of extra weight or shortening blades will alter flight abilities making for an exciting...
Library of Congress
Loc: Wilbur and Orville Wright Papers
Over 49,000 digitized primary documents having to do with the Wright brothers and their work with flight. A timeline of the brothers' work, a family tree, and other special presentations are offered.
Teachers TryScience
Teachers Try Science: Wingin' It
Learn about the Bernoulli effect by building an airplane wing, or airfoil, and making it fly.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Learn to Fly! Uav First Flight
Students begin to learn basics of flying UAVs/drones. This simple initial flight includes a take-off, hovering at different heights, and landing.
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
Nasa Trc: Maple Seed Helicopters
Students study the aerodynamic properties of a maple seed and then apply what they observe making their own flying object.
Other
John Benzies: Flight Simulation
A simulation that really takes you flying high!! Feel like you are in the cockpit as you maneuver the plane off the runway and around objects.
TES Global
Blendspace: Taking Flight Trailblazers in History
A learning module with twenty-seven links to images, websites, texts, graphic organizers, and a quiz about people who have taken flight or invented flying machines throughout history.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Bernoulli's Law
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Bernoulli's law and using air pressure to fly.
Other
Lesson Plan Activities: Amelia Earhart and Airplanes
This site features several activity ideas and activities on Amelia Earhart and airplanes for young learners.
Other
First Flight: First Transatlantic Flight 1919
A succinct FirstFlight.org site that examines the trials and tribulations of the first flight across the Atlantic under the direction of Lieutenant Commander Albert Read.
Museum of Science
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago: Activities: Make and Fly a Helicopter
Print and cut out the template for the helicopter. Then experiment with adding and subtracting weight, or changing the shape of the copter or the blades to see what makes it fly best.