Qualitative Testing
FoilSim Lift Predictions Using the Wright Brothers' Bicycle Method

Grade Level: 9-12

National Science Standards:

• Develop an understanding about science and technology and technological designs.
• Develop an understanding about scientific inquiry and the abilities necessary to achieve them.
• Develop an understanding about motion and forces.
• Develop evidence, test models, and explain results.

National Technology Standards:

• 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; select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems.
• 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:

• Use FoilSim to predict the lift capabilities of a particular flat wing design and Lilienthal type wing designs.
• Demonstrate an understanding of wing design by creating and testing models of the wing types and presenting your results.

Assessment:

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the thoroughness of your report.

Evaluation:

You will use the World Wide Web to find information on different wing designs. You will use FoilSim to predict lift generated from different wing designs. And you will create and test wing models based on your predictions. Your findings will be summarized in a report.

Submitted by:

Chip Limes, Shawnee High School, Springfield, Ohio

Students will need to preview the material discussed at the links below.