AMA Junior Camp V2 Project 2

Lesson Plan: The Wonders of Flight

Objective: To explore the four forces of flight and understand the principles of aerodynamics through hands-on activities.

Materials:

• Pencil or writing utensil
• Foam board or plate
• Two bamboo skewers
• Rubber band
• Paper clips and coins
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Ruler

Background: Embark on a journey through the history of aviation, from the early experiments with steam-driven catapults to the groundbreaking innovations of the Wright brothers. Discover how they overcame the challenges of power and control to achieve controlled flight.

Activity:

1. Building Your Glider: Using the provided materials, construct a simple glider. This will help you understand the importance of each component in flight.
2. The Forces of Flight: Discuss and demonstrate how thrust, lift, drag, and gravity interact to keep an aircraft in the air.
3. Aerodynamics in Action: Experiment with different wing shapes and angles to see how they affect your glider’s flight.
4. Control Surfaces: Learn about ailerons, elevators, and rudders by creating movable parts for your glider.

Safety Tips:

• Always launch your glider away from people and objects.
• Use a spacious outdoor area or a room with a high ceiling for launching.

Discussion: Reflect on the similarities between your homemade glider and the FPG-9 model. Consider how design choices impact flight behavior.

This plan aims to make learning about flight more interactive and memorable for students. It encourages creativity while emphasizing safety and historical context. Enjoy your lesson! 🛩️