Students discover how flight is possible.  In this physics activity, students investigate the properties of a blimp and gyro-copter, comparing rotating wings and fixed wings of aircraft.  Students create their own model...

Students explore aerodynamics. In this aerodynamics lesson, students study the flight patterns of three paper airplanes and discover the underlying principles of aerodynamics. Resources and grade level modifications are present.

Students examine the many different ways that seeds fly in birds, in air, and why. In this science lesson plan, students collect seeds, learn Bernoulli's principle including lift, ailerons, elevators, drag and how to make a paper...

Students explore the concept of the scientific method. In this investigative lesson, students investigate which direction the blades will spin on a gyrocopter. Student will practice using the scientific method to complete the investigation.

In this paper helicopter worksheet, students follow a set of directions to make a helicopter. Page includes 4 "challenge" activities/suggestions.

Students explore aviation.  In this physics lesson, students work cooperatively to construct kites, paper airplanes, and paper plate discs. Students launch the object created and observe characteristics and length of flight. ...

Fourth graders experiment with gravity and lift by building paper airplanes. In this physics lesson, 4th graders compare the falling rate of a crumpled vs. flat sheet of paper. Then after class discussion and demonstration of Bernoulli's...

Fourth graders compare and contrast gliding flight and true flight. They investigate the basic principles of aeronautics. The class participates in activities to observe lift and the effect of air. Students design and fly their own...

Students investigate the laws of physics that govern the flight of helicopters and airplanes. They build and launch a model rotor, simulating rotors used on helicopters to provide lift.

Students examine force and conduct activities that model parachutes and helicopters.  In this airplanes lesson students identify the forces that make airplanes fly higher and land. 

Young scholars study the history of the paper plane.  In this design instructional activity students create several types of paper planes and determine if there is a difference in mean flight distances.

Students view a video clip about spy planes. They identify the challenges engineers face in building small aircraft. They complete a worksheet to end the lesson.

Sixth graders discuss how simple machines overcome friction. In this simple machine lesson, 6th graders review the parts of a plane and how they make up for gravity and friction. They roll different objects down an inclined board...

Learners study the invention of the parachute and how Leonardo da Vinci came up with the design.  In this aerodynamics lesson students test the properties that make parachutes more efficient.

Students explain and explain the interactive relationships between forces of lift and gravity, thrust and drag, as they apply to airplanes in motion. They know that Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the first airplane based on these...

Students study the concepts of air pressure, air speed, and gravity as it relates to airplanes.  In this how do airplanes fly lesson plan, students study the basics of flight. Then reinforce their fine motor skills by creating...

Students discuss developments in aviation.  In this reading comprehension lesson, students read an article that discusses ten aviation museums and developments in civil and military aviation.  Students find relationships...

Students examine the role of science and technology in World War II. They discover how some inventions have changed to meet society's need after the war was over. They visit the museum to complete the lesson.

A variety of concepts are covered in this PowerPoint which gives the main engineering points of different aircraft types. Each slide details the engineering behind non-rigid and rigid categories of lighter or non-lighter than air...

Students study the aerodynamic properties of a maple seed and then apply what they observe making their own flying object.

This lesson focuses on helicopters and drones, how they fly, how they are used in different ways that help people and the environment. Teams of students explore helicopter flight; and design, build, and test their own simple rotor out of...

Learners begin to explore the idea of a force. To further their understanding of drag, gravity and weight, they conduct activities that model the behavior of parachutes and helicopters. An associated literacy activity engages the class...

This teacher's guide from Public Television's Newton's Apple discusses and illustrates the physics principles governing the flight of a frisbee. Includes teacher lesson plans, activity ideas, discussion questions, and information about...