Grade level: 11-12

National Science Standards:

• Change,constancy, and measurement.
• Motion and forces.
• Science as a human endeavor.

National Technology Standards:

• 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.

Objective:

After reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you will demonstrate an understanding of the text by using it to complete an activity on the center of gravity of a commercial cargo airplane.

 

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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. Open the slide called Determining Center of Gravity (with text) and read the explanation on how to calculate the center of gravity based on the amount of weight and its relative location. Then using the information shown at Center of Gravity Problem, complete the problem designed to demonstrate your ability to calculate the center of gravity.

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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 calculate the center of gravity.

Submitted by: Melissa Hughes, Cardinal High School, Middlefield, Ohio