Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Airplane Parts Problem Set

Subject Area: General Science

Grade Level: 7 - 12

National Science Standards:

• Explore systems, order, and organization.
• Explore evidence, models, and explanation.
• Explore form and function.
• Demonstrate abilities of technological design.

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.

Objectives:

After reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you will demonstrate an understanding of the text:

• You will be able to identify the parts of an airplane.
• You will be able to determine the part(s) of an airplane that cause a specfic action.
• You will be able to determine the motion of an airplane caused by a specific deployment of airplane part(s).

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 Airplane Parts Definitions (with text) to learn about how a glide angle measures the flying efficiency of the glider. Then complete the problem set found at Airplane Parts Problem Set.

You will be evaluated on the feasibility or accuracy of your answers.

Evaluation:

You will demonstrate the ability to use information found on the World Wide Web to identify airplane parts and their functions.

Submitted by:

Michael Burich, Shaw High School, East Cleveland, Ohio

E-mail: burich@juno.com