Forces of Flight

Through exploration of the forces of lift, thrust, gravity, and drag, students will investigate the way that particles in the air are affected by temperature, pressure, and volume to understand how changes to these variables allow for flight to occur. They will use their new knowledge to engineer and test prototype flying machines to meet certain constraints. Finally, using a 3D print pen, they will create their own motor-powered flying machine. 

Hands on activities included: 

• Demonstrations that air is matter 
• Temperature, Pressure, and Volume Exploration Stations 
• Hot air balloon investigation 
• Rubber band cars and friction 
• Lift, Thrust, Gravity, and Drag Exploration Stations 
• Paper plane and paper helicopter 
• Prototype flying machine engineering 
• 3D print pens to create motorized flying machines 

NGSS Standards: 

MS-PS1-4 • MS-PS2-2 • MS-ETS1-4