Learners explore the history of the airplane and the Wright brothers.  In this aviation lesson plan students examine the Wright brothers stories and kites.

Students observe a video about pilots, their desired traits, and explore the similarities between a bird and an airplane. Using paper, wood or foam, they design create an aircraft to be flown in a competition to see which plane will fly...

Middle schoolers 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 use data from real-life models to calculate and compare the force required for an airplane of a given weight to become airborne. They use a graphing calculator to evaluate data and use the World Wide Web to access data.

Sixth graders study friction and drag. In this science lesson, 6th graders use different models of gliders and test to see which of the gliders fly the farthest. Students analyze their data and construct a graph.

Students explain the historical significance of use of the scientific method in developing the first airplane and appreciate the process involved in developing a new technology.

Students construct a hovercraft following specific procedures. In this technology lesson, students explain the physics principles behind hovercraft. They compare and contrast this machine with the aircraft.

Pupils research propulsion, graph data, and interpret the results.

Students construct their own submarine following a certain procedure. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the density of objects using a mathematical formula. They explain why some object floats in water while some...

Students investigate the factors affecting projectile trajectory. In this physics lesson, students calculate the range, time and speed of projectiles using mathematical equations.

Young scholars are introduced to aviation history and aerospace engineering achievements. They assemble a class aviation history timeline from individual student research on people and events.

This activity starts out with a guided discussion about the statement "Birds fly in the sky; airplanes fly in the sky; therefore, airplanes are birds" and goes on to cover logical fallacies and reliable sources, relating these to the...

What is special about summer (fall, winter, or spring)? Using a bag filled with season-related items (for summer items like sunglasses, a swimming suit, etc.) the class take turns taking out one item. A discussion of how each item might...

Students study animal classification and their interactions.  In this animals and engineering lesson students study animal communities and how engineers use this knowledge to create new technologies. 

Test your learners' Internet research skills with this scavenger hunt. Of the twenty questions provided, scholars research ten and provide the answer, the URL, the search engine, and the keywords they used. While some of the questions...

Eighth graders imagine they are getting ready to "take off." They may imagine themselves in any type of aircraft or spaceship. They may then sketch themselves as passengers anticipating this moment.

Middle schoolers examine where energy comes from and how it can be used.  In this solar energy lesson students explore different aspects of the sun. 

After getting to know the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci and his many inventions, scholars think up their own invention. Following a written description and a hand-drawn picture, learners use a method of mirror writing and antiquing to give...

Pupils practice map skills. In this map skills lesson, students locate the cities of New York and Paris on a map. Pupils read about the flight made by Charles Lindbergh in May 1927 from New York to Paris. Students answer 8 questions...

Students watch a video about Amelia Earhart, an uncommon heroine, a legendary aviator and the center of one of the greatest mysteries of modern time.

Students study the life of Charles Lindbergh, one of the 20th century's most famous men. This aviator became an American hero when he successfully crossed the Atlantic in his plane, The Spirit of St. Louis.

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 instructional activity.

Students explore the aircraft used in World War II. In this World History lesson, students read an article that describes a "flying saucer" created by the Nazi's. Upon completion of the reading, students answer questions on the article,...

Students, after reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, demonstrate an understanding of the text by applying it to the calculations involving the motion of an airplane.