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In this activity, learners discover how NASA engineers develop experimental aircraft. Learners will use geometry and algebra to design, construct, and test an experimental wing to achieve maximum distance using a portable glider catapult. This lesson plan includes background information, key vocabulary and definitions, blackline masters, extensions including an instructional technology activity, and resources.
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 20 straight pins
- 8 small binder clips
- Calculator
- Masking tape
- Student worksheets (pages 13-21 of PDF)
- 10 meat trays (suggestion: 28 cm X 23 cm - size 12)
- Meter stick or measuring tape
- 4 scissors (optional: plastic knife, box cutter)
- Fine sand paper or emery board
- 2 thumbtacks
- Rubber band (size 64)
- Cardboard (28 cm X 40 cm)
- 2 wooden rulers or paint sticks
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Earth Structure
- Atmosphere
-
Astronomy
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
-
Algebra
- Equations and Inequalities
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
-
Geometry
- Plane Geometry
-
Measurement
- Units of Measurement
- Size and Scale
- Number and Operations
-
Algebra
-
Physical Sciences
-
Energy
- Work and Machines
- Motion and Forces
-
Energy
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
- Transportation
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- NASA Center for Distance Learning, Office of Education at NASA’s Langley Research Center
Rights:
- All rights reserved, National Aeronautics and Space Administration,