OVERVIEW: This lesson will introduce students to aerodynamic concepts through virtual flight simulation and paper modeling of airplane control surfaces.

AUTHOR(S): Loretta Mick

VITAL INFORMATION

Subjects: 

Technology Education

Unit and Topic:

Principles of Flight/How and why an airplane can fly.

Grade/Level:

Grade 6-8

Time Allotment:

2- 90 minute classes or 4-45 minute classes

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Students must have:

  • Basic math and science skills for their grade level
  • Basic Computer Skills

Objective(s)

Students will be able to:

·         Learn about aerodynamics and understand the basic principles of flight.

·         Construct and test a model airplane

Summary:

In this lesson students will learn and have an understanding of what makes an airplane fly. They will also be able to construct their own airplane, test and analysis their results. 

PREPARATION

 

To get ready you will need the following items.

  • Wing it Poster to get interest (if needed)
  • Wing It PowerPoint (See attached file named PowerPoint Wing It). (May need to edit last slide. Textpad not needed when viewing only).
  • VRML loaded on all computers that will be in use.  Have VRML files (see attached folder named VRML number 00 airpland-09 rudder) Go in numerical order.

Additional VRML sites –these sites have aircraft that can be viewed from all angels.  Have the following open to show on LCD projector when explaining principles of flight. Copies of worksheets. *Need to have VRML installed in order to open these sites.

***To get the VRML download from Cortona website at www.citerawv.us

 

·         Flight simulator-Need to purchase and have loaded on all computers.  * See attached file for shortcut key controls for the flight simulator. Note: This shortcut keys will only work on Mircosoft 98 flight simulator software.

 

Instructional Materials:

The following material will be needed. 

·         Access to LCD projector for VRML viewing

·         Access to television and video camera

·         Computers for all students

·         VRML software loaded onto all computers

·         Flight simulator software loaded onto all computers.

·         Handouts (I use  handouts showing the 4 forces on an airplane, airplane movements (roll, pitch and yaw) and one on angle of attack) and  PowerPoint views of forces on a plane and aerodynamics.

·         Completed model for example.

·         Materials for construction of model plane

o    Template of wings (need to purchase from whitewings.com)

o    Cardboard for fuselage

o    Glue

o    Paper Clips

o    Rubber bands

o    Markers

o    Scissors

o    Tape

o    Safety glasses

Resources:

·         Resources for handouts and information on flight

·         http://www.teachengineering.com/view_lesson.php?url=http://www.teachengineering.com/collection/cub_/lessons/cub_airplanes/cub_airplanes_lesson09.xml

·         http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bga.html

·         http://cielab3.me.cmu.edu/~soji/aircraft/aircrafte.html

·         http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/xplanes/airborne.html

·         http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/forces.html use this site for handout on four forces on an airplane. 

IMPLEMENTATION

 

Introduction/Motivation:

Inquired learning. Students will engage in class discussion on what they already know about aerodynamics keeping the conversation student led. Students will have visual assistance for understanding using VRML.

Learning Context :

Students will learn about forces that act on an airplane and Bernoulli’s principle through modeling by applying newly acquired knowledge.

Procedure:

First 90 minute class: First Day

Introduction and Class discussion on what makes airplanes fly? Students will contribute their ideas and theories. 

PowerPoint Presentation will address the following:

Students will be given information on the forces that affect an airplane with the assistance of VRML sites.

·         Lift, thrust, drag, weight/Gravity

Movement of airplanes

·         Roll, Pitch, Yaw

·         Angle of attack, Dihedral Angle, Camber, Trimming

Main parts of an airplane

·         Airplane, fuselage, cockpit, landing gear, propeller, wings, flaps, ailerons, rudder, horizontal stabilizer, elevator

Using VRML, students will view and use VRML to see how control surfaces on the airplane change the control of the plane.

Flight Simulation. Have students use the software to practice how to control an airplane.

Discuss the connection with what they are doing.

Second 90 minute class: Second Day

Review prior days learning.

Students will take their new knowledge and create a model airplane with teachers’ demonstration.

Show example of what they will be making and how it works.

Set-up TV connected to a video camera (facing down towards a table) to help demonstrate see the step by step for plane assembly.

Students will test, trouble shoot, evaluate and retest their model.

Final discussion on what worked, didn’t work and what they learned during the lesson and what flight principles were used.

 

Differentiated Instruction:

Use of visual, auditory and tactical projects. Can be adapted to all students at any level.

Sample Student Products:

None at this time.

Collaboration:

This project incorporates science concepts and can be team taught with a science teacher or taught by a technology education teacher.

Author’s Comments & Reflections:

This is a great lesson for middle and high school.  Students are able put theory into learning by creating and testing their model planes. Most of the worksheets I have had for several years and they are not in digital form. I have provided links that will give you the information.  There are some sites that will allow you to use theirs but I don’t have those sites at this time.  Any of this lesson can be taught without an LCD projector or video camera ran through a television.

STANDARDS & ASSESSMENTS

 

 

http://wvteched.k12.wv.us/techedwv/standards/exp_tech.php

http://wveis.k12.wv.us/nclb/Content/public/21C/21C.cfm?tsele1=1&tsele2=60

http://www.iteaconnect.org/TAA/Publications/TAA_Publications.html#Standards

 

Standards

 

 

WV CONTENT STANDARDS AND OBJECTIVES:

2401.4.1 Generate ideas and design solutions to problems through sketches, drawings and notes.

 

2401.4.2 Plan and select the materials, energy, tools and processes needed and produce a physical model or prototype of the solution.

 

2401.4.3 Test the solution

 

2401.4.4 Analyze test results and evaluate the success of the solution.

 

2401.3.4 Apply concepts of science to real world technological problems.

 

2401.9.5 Explore a variety of modes transportation by designing, producing, operating and analyzing the efficiency of at least two models.

 

2401.10.1    Demonstrate the value of working independently and cooperatively in activities.

 

2401.5.4 Identify and practice all given safety rules when using materials and equipment in laboratory and classroom activities.

USA - 21ST CENTURY-

Technology Education is not listed under the 21st Century skills. **Note. Technology Education is not the same as technology under the 21st century skills. 

21C.O.5-8.2.TT.3 Student uses multiple technology tools for gathering information in order to solve problems, make informed decisions, and present and justify the solutions.

21C.S.5-8.2
Standard 2: Thinking and Reasoning Skills The student will demonstrate the ability to explore and develop new ideas, to intentionally apply sound reasoning processes and to frame, analyze and solve complex problems using appropriate technology tools

21C.O.PK-2.2.TT.4 Student identifies how technology could be used to solve problems in our everyday world.

NATIONAL STANDARDS (ITEA)

Listing of STL Content Standards

The Nature of Technology

Standard 3. Students will develop an understanding of the relationships among technologies and the connections between technology and other fields of study.

Technology and Society

Standard 7. Students will develop an understanding of the influence of technology on history.

Design

Standard 10. Students will develop an understanding of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving.

The Designed World

Standard 18. Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies.

 

Listing of AETL Standards

 

Student Assessment Standards

Standard A-1. Assessment of student learning will be consistent with Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (STL).

Standard A-2. Assessment of student learning will be explicitly matched to the intended purpose.

Standard A-3. Assessment of student learning will be systematic and derived from research-based assessment principles.

Program Standards

Standard P-1. Technology program development will be consistent with Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology (STL).

Standard P-2. Technology program implementation will facilitate technological literacy for all students.

Standard P-3. Technology program evaluation will ensure and facilitate technological literacy for all students.

Standard P-4. Technology program learning environments will facilitate technological literacy for all students.

Assessment/Rubrics

RUBRICS

http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php        Rubistar I.D.#: 1594781