Aircraft vs. Spacecraft

Set the stage for groups of rocket scientists to explore the change in mass of the space shuttle during ascent. Teams work together to graph actual launch data in order to determine the rate of propellent burn.

How long did it take to get to that altitude? Using a Google Earth file, groups explore a space shuttle launch. Using a calculator, groups determine the function that models the altitude/time data from an actual launch. With the model in...

All systems go! With a video and a Google Earth tour as background, pairs investigate two graphs. The graphs display acceleration vs. time and velocity vs. time of a space shuttle launch. Using graphing calculators, the pairs take a...

Your charges will enjoy putting together this model of the space shuttle and completing the three challenge activities described in the instructional activity. The worksheets embedded in the plan that pupils use to cut out their gliders...

In this space shuttle launch worksheet, students are given 2 equations used to determine the space shuttle's trajectory in the first 5 minutes of a launch. Students use these equations to solve 3 problems including finding the shuttle's...

In this aircraft avionics worksheet, science fans read about the first unmanned air vehicle that collects data about the Earth and is subject to damage by cosmic ray showers. Pupils analyze two graphs of data showing the neutron flux vs....

In this "Space Station" worksheet, students watch the movie and respond to 36 matching and multiple choice questions regarding information from the documentary.

In this satellite drag and Hubble space telescope learning exercise, students solve two problems using a graph showing the altitude of the satellite vs. the year with two lines showing two different types of re-boost and one line without...

Students work cooperatively with classmates to design a wingless vehicle that can fly back to Earth from space, landing like an aircraft. Students plan and describe their models. Also, they will research facts about the lifting body...

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.