Physics of Flight
Exploring Planet Earth and Its Atmosphere
A lesson describing the nature of the Earth's atmosphere, with demonstrations illustrating the small size of the atmosphere compared with the size of the planet and the weight of air.
- Early: SCN 0-06a
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: -
Early Attempts to get into the Air
A lesson describing early attempts at flight including Greek legends, kites, balloons and airships. Demonstrations show the achievement of flight using hot air and gas filled balloons.
- Early: SCN 0-20a
- First: SCN 1-07a, 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-08b
The Birth of Aerodynamics
A lesson learning about the scientists who discovered and defined many of the aerodynamic principles which are used in flight, together with simple demonstrations of aerodynamic lift and the workings of a venturi.
- Early: SCN 0-20a
- First: SCN 1-07a, 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-04b, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-08b
Aerodynamic Drag
A lesson describing aerodynamic drag - one of the forces which acts against motion and restricts the speed of objects travelling through the air. Included are simple classroom demonstrations, including construction of a simple parachute.
- Early: SCN 0-04a, 0-20a; TCH 0-09a
- First: SCN 1-07a, 1-20a; TCH 1-09a
- Second: SCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-08b
Aerodynamic Lift
A lesson describing aerodynamic lift, the force generated by a wing which supports the object (aircraft or animal) as it travels through the air. A simple demonstration is described, which illustrates how much effort is required to make aircraft fly.
- Early: SCN 0-20a
- First: SCN 1-20a
- Second: SCN 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-08b
Exploring Aeroplane Configuration
A lesson considering the different shapes and configurations of fixed wing aircraft (aeroplanes) which have been used at various times, their advantages and disadvantages. Also described are plans for building and flying simple models of each type.
- Early: SCN 0-04a, 0-20a; TCH 0-09a
- First: SCN 1-07a, 1-20a; TCH 1-09a
- Second: SCN 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: SCN 4-08b
Aerodynamic Control
A lesson describing how aeroplanes are maneouvred in flight using movable, hinged additions to the wings and tail, known as control surfaces. A demonstration is described using a modified glider from 'Exploring Aircraft Configuration'.
- Early: SCN 0-04a, 0-20a; TCH 0-09a
- First: SCN 1-07a, 1-20a; TCH 1-09a
- Second: SCN 2-20a, 2-20b
- Third: SCN 3-07a, 3-08a, 3-20a
- Fourth: -