Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Wing Area
LEVEL 1

Subject Area(s): Geometry
Grade Level: 10-12
National Mathematics Standards:

• Operate on expressions and matrices, and solve equations and inequalities.
• Represent problem situations with geometric models and apply properties of figures.

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 applying it to the calculations involving the area of a wing.

Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics is a "textbook" of information prepared at NASA Glenn Research Center to help you better understand aerodynamics. Click Beginner's Guide Index to access the list of slides. Open the slide called Wing Area (with text) and read the explanation of why design engineers calculate the area of wing planforms (planform is the total surface of the wing surface from above). Then using the information shown at Wing Area, complete the Wing Area Problems designed to demonstrate your ability to complete calculations involving the area of a planform.

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 and complete calculations involving motions and forces.

 Submitted by:

Monroe Kennedy Jr., Ph.D., Shaker Heights High School, Shaker Heights, Ohio