What is "Flight and Space"?

The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through Flight and Space. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil. Custom-built simulation software allows students to experience space travel.

Course Outline

UNIT 1

1.1 WHAT IS ENGINEERING

In this lesson students will learn about STEM careers and how they impact the past, present, and future

 1.2 DESIGN PROCESS

This lesson focuses on the tools that engineers use to solve problems. Students will study the Design Process and will use it to guide their actions. In this lesson students will be introduced to the idea that there are many design processes and no single design process is better or more useful than another. They will learn that the selected design process will be built upon in the high school Pathway to Engineering courses. Students will encounter each step in more detail as they gain knowledge and experience throughout the course.

UNIT 4

LESSON 4.1 HISTORY OF FLIGHT

In this lesson students will be introduced to the history of flight through hands-on activities, research, and a presentation in the form of an infomercial. By having the entire class experience the flight characteristics of various vehicles, explore the differences between aircraft and rockets, research their respective histories, and view each other’s infomercial productions, each student will gain a greater understanding of the evolution of flight.

4.2 AERONAUTICS

Aeronautics is the science and art of flying through the air. It refers to all aspects of flight in the atmosphere, from design and manufacturing to operation and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. To design an air or spacecraft, engineers must understand the elements of aerodynamics, propulsion, materials and structures, and stability and control. In this unit your students will be exposed to all of these elements as they discover the science of flying, design and test propulsion systems, use simulations to create airfoils to test in a wind tunnel, and then use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil.

4.3 TRAVELING AND LIVING IN SPACE

In this lesson students will:

• Complete activities while learning about the history and principles of space travel.

• Study the development of rocketry and the space program.