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Beginner's
Guide to Aerodynamics
Drag Activity
Subject Area:
Physics
Grade Level:
11 - 12
National Standards:
Mathematics
- Demonstrate the
ability to read written presentations of mathematics with understanding.
- Apply integrated
mathematical problem-solving strategies to solve problems outside
of mathematics.
Science
- Explore change,
constancy, and measurement.
- Explore motion
and forces.
Technology
- Research Tools
- Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g., environmental
probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools)
to support learning and research.
- Problem-Solving
and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line
information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications,
communications, and productivity.
Objectives:
- After reading an
explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you will demonstrate an
understanding of the text by applying it to calculating drag of both
full-sized and model gliders.
- You will use spreadsheets
for mathematical calculations.
- You will determine
the value of drag using models to predict what will happen to full-sized
gliders at different glide angles.
Beginner's Guide to
Aerodynamics is a "textbook" of information prepared at NASA Glenn Research
Center to help you better understand how airplanes work. Click
Beginner's
Guide Index to access the list of slides available at Beginner's
Guide to Aerodynamics. Open the slides called Glider
Trajectory Problem and the Vector
Balance of Forces for a Glider from the series and read the explanation.
Then using the information, you will complete a set of problems designed
to demonstrate your ability to calculate drag.
Click Drag
Activity to begin the problems.
Assessment:
You, or you
and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the accuracy or feasibility
of your answers.
Evaluation:
You will
demonstrate the ability to use information found on the World Wide Web
to learn how to calculate drag.
Submitted by:
Michael Burich,
Shaw High School, East Cleveland, Ohio
E-mail: burich@juno.com
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