Explore More at Home:
AVIATION
TAKE A FLIGHT
It’s a question we’ve all asked. How do airplanes fly? It doesn’t seem possible that a huge, heavy piece of metal machinery could stay in the sky! The answer can be complicated, but if you really want to know the physics behind flight, check out these links!
The NASA STUDENT SITE allows students to learn aeronautics directly from the experts and goes into scientific detail for kids who really want to know the science of flight!
This episode of NPR’s “Brains On” PODCAST explores the history and science of flight and gives a few tips for making the perfect paper airplane.
SCIENCE FUN
One of the principles that contribute to airplanes being able to stay aloft is called the “Bernoulli Principle”, which says that as the speed of air increases, it’s pressure decreases. This quick VIDEO shows how it works with an airplane wing.
Now see how it works for yourself with these two experiments!
WATCH AND lEARN
Ruth Law Thrills a Nation by Don Brown
I am Amelia Earhart by Brian Meltzer
CREATE
This site has instructions for dozens of different kinds of PAPER AIRPLANES. Make a few and experiment to see which flies the farthest, straightest, or highest!
You can also make a simple HOOP GLIDER with some paper and straws. What changes could you make to the design to make it fly further?
One of the factors to consider when designing something that flies is how it’s weight interacts with air resistance. Try this paper SPINNER activity to find out how the weight of an object affects how quickly it falls.
TAKE A TOUR
The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington is offering free VIRTUAL TOURS of it’s airplanes through it’s “Museum at Home” program!