Prestwick Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society
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Second SCN Topics

 A series of lessons aiming to cover science topics at 'Second' level. 


Click on the right-hand arrow to access each exercise, then click on the hyperlink or image do download the relevant documentation.

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Physics of Flight Series

Seven one hour lessons on various aspects of the physics associated with human flight.  There is a logical sequence to the lessons, but each can stand-alone.


Exploring Planet Earth and Its AtmosphereSCN 2-20a, 2-20b


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.  


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

Early Attempts to get into the AirSCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b


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.


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

The Birth of AerodynamicsSCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b


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. 


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

Aerodynamic DragSCN 2-04a, 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b


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.


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

Aerodynamic LiftSCN 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b


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. 


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

Exploring Aeroplane ConfigurationSCN 2-08b, 2-20a, 2-20b


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. 


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes

Aerodynamic ControlSCN 2-20a, 2-20b


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'. 


Additional suggested, relevant Level 2 Es&Os - None


External link opens in new tab or windowLesson Plan

External link opens in new tab or windowClassroom Demonstrations

External link opens in new tab or window

Simple PowerPoint presentation.

The associated notes for the Powerpoint are available via this link - External link opens in new tab or windowPowerPoint Notes


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