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Activities
Learning
to Fly
- Grades 6-10
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Wright/ROGER/WrightBrothers.pdf
This activity book presents
several activities built around the discovery process used by the Wright brothers.
There is a role playing game in which the student observes the Wrights' activities
and has to report on the student's findings. There are plans for the construction
of models of the first four Wright aircraft. There are lots of math problems to
work on as well.
This activity book was developed by a team in the NASA Glenn Office of Educational Programs.
Flying Model
of the Wright Brothers' 1902 Aircraft
- Grades 6-10
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Wright/model1902.htm
This activity presents
step-by-step instructions for building a flying scale model of
the Wright brothers' 1902 aircraft using balsa wood and tissue paper.
This activity was developed by Richard Glueck of the Orono Middle School, Orono, Maine.
It requires minimum
model making skills and introduces the ideas of scaling and following
directions. Photographs detail the design process.
The models can be used as part of a science fair project,
or used in a diorama to further stimulate
creativity.
Models
of the Wright Brothers' Aircraft
- Grades 6-10
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/Wright/ROGER/models.htm
This activity presents 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 was developed by Roger Storm
of Fairview Park High School during a summer intern session at NASA
Glenn. It requires minimum model making skills and introduces the
ideas of scaling and following directions. It prompts the student
to investigate the invention process. The models can be used as
part of a science fair project, modified with rigging, or used in
a diorama to further stimulate creativity.
Wright 1901
Wind Tunnel Simulation
- Grades 6-10
This activity presents
instructions for using a computer simulation of the Wright 1901 wind tunnel to
teach students some of the basics of scientific experiments and test techniques.
This activity was developed by Tom Benson of the NASA Glenn Research Center.
It requires a personal computer with Internet access. The activities can be run
on-line or downloaded to run off-line. Students will learn to conduct parametric
studies, to record and reduce data, prepare graphs, and interpret results.
Teamwork
in Aerospace
- Grades 6-12
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/TeamAct/teamwork.html
This activity presents instructions and
slides for a teamwork activity built around aerospace. Groups of students
form small companies to design and test fly paper airplanes in a competition
to produce aircraft for NASA.
The activity was developed by Tom Benson at the NASA
Glenn Research Center. It requires a minimum of supplies; 8 1/2 x 11 paper,
scissors, tape and paper clips and it introduces the students to many of
the problems one encounters while working on a team. The activity takes
about 1 hour to perform.
Smoke
Tunnel Plans
- Grades 9-12
This activity presents
step-by-step instructions for building a flow visualization (smoke) wind tunnel.
This activity was developed by Dwayne Hunt and Carol Galica of the NASA Glenn Research Center.
It requires moderate shop skills with hand tools, but less than $100 worth of materials.
Photographs detail the construction process.
The tunnel can be used as part of a science fair project,
or used to study how air flows past a variety of models.
Additional Activities
| Program |
Description |
Grade |
|
Aeronautics Kidspage |
This
website is designed to help children learn about aeronautics,
with an emphasis on aircraft engines. Lesson plans on
the history, dynamics, and propulsion of airplanes are
provided. |
K- 6 |
|
Beginners Guide to Propulsion |
This
interactive website serves as a guide to how jet engines
work. Activities, data, and engine simulations are available
for teachers and students. |
K-16 |
|
Plane Math |
This
interactive website, designed for children with physical
disabilities, contains activities relating math to aeronautics.
|
K-4 |
|
The Wright Way |
Learn
about the development of the first manned, powered flight
from its conception through research and experimentation,
to success and beyond. This website features facts,
lesson plans, simulations, activities, and contains
information on how to participate in the Centennial
of Flight Celebration. |
K-12 |
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