Take Off with Airplane Science!

Designed for grades K-5 and to be done at home or with small groups, this interactive multi-activity mini-course introduces children to the key physical concepts underlying flight and aircraft design. The mini-course includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners.

The mini-course begins with a story in which fundamental physical concepts, such as Bernoulli's Principle, are introduced. Children are then able to explore what they've learned through a series of simple at-home experiments. Using what they've learned about aircraft design and airflow, children are provided with a paper airplane template, complete with rudder and elevators, and an experimental journal to explore how changes to their design affect the airplane's flight. The relationship between aircraft design and flight is further reinforced through a card game (included in the course) in which the wing shapes of various birds and other animals are examined and linked to types of flight. Finally, several in-flight activities are provided, including an experiment with air pressure (this experiment can also be done with any change in elevation, such as on a mountain road or in an elevator of a tall building.)

Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few additional common household items to complete the activities: a Ping-Pong ball, two small paper cups, a penny, two straws, water, blow-dryer (optional), paper, scissors, tape measure, paper clips, two plastic bottles.

Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)-including air pressure, airfoil, lift, and flight controls.