Students 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 research principles of flight. They design their own paper airplanes and make predictions about the performance of different designs. Students keep track of their findings in an electronic journal.

Students travel with Christa McAuliffe through space demonstrations. In this space lesson, students follow through the past to the present air travel. Students understand the benefits and problems associated with zero gravity and how it...

Seventh graders identify variables and controls in a paper airplane investigation. In this scientific method lesson, 7th graders conduct an experiment to determine the variables that affect the flight of paper airplanes. They design an...

High schoolers conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics lesson plan, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.

Students participate in a contrived natural selection simulation in which they build and modify simple paper airplanes. They study divergent and convergent evolution and how it is isolated in sub-populations.

Fourth graders investigate conditions causing saturation and measure the dew point of the atmosphere performing simple experiments.

Students review the meanings of global warming and global dimming. While watching a video, they take notes on different aspects of the issue. In groups, they develop a list on what can be done to reduce global dimming. They...

Students explore the densities and viscosities of fluids as they create a colorful 'rainbow' using household liquids. While letting the fluids in the rainbow settle, students conduct 'The Great Viscosity Race,' another short experiment...

Students conduct an exothermic reaction to investigate the properties of a transition metal. In this periodic table lesson, students identify the transition elements and discuss their properties after watching a video. They conduct an...

Fourth graders experiment with Newton's three laws of motion.  In this motion lesson, 4th graders explore the three laws of motion and then work in small groups collaborating while experimenting with these laws. Numerous resources...

Students navigate software to help students understand the benefits of computer models.  In this computer models lesson, students use computer inquiry tools to record simulated events and how they affect objects such as houses or...

Students discuss Newton's laws of motion. The conduct motion experiments by building "Newton Rocket Cars" from assorted materials. They propel the cars with rubber bands and wooden blocks and record the distance traveled on data sheets.

Second graders study lift, drag and thrust from a real flight instructor.  In this physical science lesson students build and fly paper airplanes and experiment with variations and design. 

Students examine the aerodynamics of a wing and how it generates lift.  In this flight lesson students complete several experiments including how to build a paper plane and how airfoils affect performance.

Students explore the different types of balloons.  In this materials lesson plan students can complete several experiments including building their own hot air balloons, making balloon animals and experimenting with static...

Students study the basic operation of a water rocket.  In this propulsioninstructional activity students complete several experiments on constructing a bottle rocket launcher.

Students examine the history behind the frisbee and how Bernoulli's principle and Newton's law plays a role.  In this flight lesson students complete an experiment on how the rim of a frisbee effects flight. 

Pupils research the history of aviation while looking at how gliders and airplanes fly. This instructional activity is the perfect way to intertwine Science and History. It has variations for all grade levels K-12.

Students, by drawing on their own experiences, discuss and examine the basic physics of flight. They participate in a variety of activities regarding flight.

One of the factors that automotive engineers must consider is wind drag. The less wind drag, the more efficient the car will be. They perform many tests in wind tunnels, then refine their designs and test again. Using simple materials,...

Students investigate the Wright Brothers. They complete an online Webquest, explore various websites, use a flight simulator, answer discussion questions, and locate newspaper articles on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers'...

Students investigate aerodynamics by comparing and contrasting the flight of two gliders. They make prediction and observation charts and test a variety of hypotheses using paper gliders.

Eighth graders examine the impact of powered flight on the North Carolina coast. After reading news articles, they explain how the first flight affected community pride. They develop a hypothesis about the long-term economic impacts to...