The Science Toy Maker is a valuable source of ideas for creating and innovation in the classroom. I have chosen a project for making a rubber band powered aeroplane as it is a great way to investigate aerodynamics, materials and kinetic energy. Click on the link and check out the detailed instructions on this clip.
Flight Lesson Plans
Click on the logo for more Flight lesson plan ideas. Students can investigate materials, design and create aeroplanes, hold flight distance contests and gather data relating to the construction and performance of different designs.
This is a great clip created by a talented teen that illustrates the history of the human struggle to fly. It shows some of Leonardo da Vinci and other great inventors diagrams that may act as inspiration for students to plan their own flying machines.
H.O.T Question It
- What makes the plane in the above clip fly so far? Think weight, lift and drag.
Check this out, a paper plane controlled by your mobile phone.
For more info on the inventor Shai Goitein go to his website poweruptoys.com
H.O.T. Question It
- What can analysing the data collected through flight testing tell us about our designs?
- What design features can be identified as critical in making some planes fly longer / higher?
- What do you predict is in the future for flight technology, plan and illustrate your ideas.
- What lessons of the past have improved flight technology today?
Year 3 – 4
- Investigate how forces and the properties of materials affect the behaviour of a product or system (ACTDEK011)
- Investigate the suitability of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment for a range of purposes (ACTDEK013)
- Critique needs or opportunities for designing and explore and test a variety of materials, components, tools and equipment and the techniques needed to produce designed solutions (ACTDEP014)
Year 5 – 6
- Investigate how forces or electrical energy can control movement, sound or light in a designed product or system (ACTDEK020)
- Investigate characteristics and properties of a range of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment and evaluate the impact of their use (ACTDEK023)
- Develop project plans that include consideration of resources when making designed solutions individually and collaboratively (ACTDEP028)
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA] (2014). Design and Technologies: Foundation to Year 10 curriculum. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/design-and-technologies/Curriculum/F-10
H.O.T. Topics for the Australian Curriculum 