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Models of the Wright Brothers' Aircraft (1900-1903)
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Glenn
Research
Center
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This activity was submitted by Roger Storm, teacher and Chairman of
the Chemistry Department at Fairview Park High School, Fairview Park, Ohio.
At this web site we present plans and step-by-step instructions for
building scale models of the Wright brothers aircraft from 1900 to 1903
using readily available materials (foam meat trays and toothpicks).
The activity is intended for Grades 6-10 and requires minimum model
making skills. The activity introduces the ideas of scaling and following
directions, and prompts the student to investigate the
invention process.
The models can be modified with rigging or used in a
diorama to further stimulate creativity. The models can also be used
as part of a science fair project.
In 2003, the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the
first flight of a piloted airplane by the Wright brothers. While much
attention will be paid to the events of December 17,1903, at Kitty
Hawk, North Carolina, it is important to note that the flights of
that day were only the culmination of nearly five years of work by
the brothers. Beginning in 1900, the brothers built a series of aircraft
to test and refine their ideas of flight.
You can build scale models of all four of these aircraft using the plans
developed by Roger Storm of Fairview Park High School.
You can begin with the
1900
Wright aircraft. This was their first large aircraft and was flown
mostly as a kite. It was used to test out ideas of
wing warping for roll control.
Plans for this model are available
with step by step instructions. The final model looks like this:
Next, you can build a model of the
1901
glider. This aircraft was flown as both a kite and a piloted glider.
They gained valuable flight experience with this craft and discovered
several problems which they had to overcome.
Plans for this model are available
with step by step instructions. The final model looks like this:
You can then build a model of the
1902
glider. This plane was the first aircraft in the world that could
be controlled in roll, pitch and yaw. It was the largest and best glider
in its day and the brother used it to perfect their piloting skills.
Plans for this model are available
with step by step instructions. The final model looks like this:
Finally, you can build a model of the
1903
Wright Flyer. This was the first, piloted, heavier than air, aircraft
that could take off and fly under its own power. It was the first
modern airplane.
Plans for this model are available
with step by step instructions. The final model is shown at
the top of this page.
All of these models have been designed to the same scale so that you
can compare their size and complexity. These models are intended for
static display only .. not for flight. Have fun building the Wright
brothers' aircraft.
Navigation..
- Re-Living the Wright Way
- Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics
- NASA Home Page
- http://www.nasa.gov
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