Exploring Aerospace: From Gliders to Rockets | Hands-On STEM
Students dive into aerodynamics and rocketry through engaging lessons and hands-on projects like building gliders and rockets. Each week introduces a new topic, from aerodynamics to the future of flight, fostering deep understanding.
Jessica Decaillon
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(106)
Star Educator
What's included
23 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
1 hour per week. 1. Project Construction: Building and testing various models like gliders, parachutes, and rockets, using household materials. 2. Design Challenges: Creative tasks where students modify and improve their models based on flight performance and principles learned in class. 3. Research Tasks: Short research assignments to explore additional aerospace concepts, historical milestones, or current events in aviation and space exploration. 4. Reflection and Analysis: Writing brief reflections or analyses on experiments conducted, discussing what worked, what didn't, and why. 5. Interactive Quizzes: Participating in online quizzes to reinforce understanding of key concepts and prepare for the next class. Homework is designed to be flexible and thought-provoking, ensuring students have the opportunity to explore and learn actively outside the classroom.Assessment
I provide constructive feedback for projects submitted. Students will also take quiz games via Blooket.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Embark on an exhilarating adventure into the world of aerospace engineering in "Exploring Aerospace: From Gliders to Rockets." This class is designed for young minds curious about how things fly and the science behind it. Through engaging lessons and hands-on projects, you'll gain a deep understanding of flight mechanics and aerospace design. Prepare for a learning experience that combines fun with education, as we dive into the principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and structural design. From constructing gliders that glide smoothly through the air to building your own small rockets, you'll apply your knowledge in exciting ways, seeing firsthand how various forces interact to make flight possible. ✨✨Weekly Breakdown✨✨ Week 1 Topic: Introduction to Aerodynamics Projects: Basic Glider Construction Week 2 Topic: Propulsion and Power & Introduction to Rocketry Projects: Rubber Band-Powered Airplanes Week 3 Topic: Stability and Control Projects: Adjustable Glider (tail and wing modifications), Kite Building Week 4 Topic: Rocket Science and Recovery Systems Projects: Water Rocket and Parachute Recovery System Week 5 Topic: Materials and Structures Project: Design and Build a Model Spacecraft or Aircraft from Recycled Materials Week 6 Topic: The Future of Flight Project: Create a Concept Model of a Future Aircraft or Spacecraft ✨✨Weekly Lessons Include✨✨ ✔️ Engaging introduction videos to kickstart each week's topic ✔️ Step-by-step project guides and instructional videos ✔️ Personalized feedback from the instructor to nurture your progress ✔️ Interactive group discussions to share ideas and learn from peers ✔️ Fun quizzes to reinforce learning, using tools like Nearpod ✔️ Comprehensive supply lists provided in advance ✔️ Extra resources for those eager to explore more ✨✨Supply List✨✨ Materials will be common household or easily accessible items. A detailed list will be provided at the start of each week. Here are some of the supplies you might need: ✔️ Paper and cardboard ✔️ Balloons and rubber bands ✔️ Plastic bottles ✔️ Basic tools (scissors, tape) ✔️ Light balsa wood or foam board ✔️ Small electronics for advanced projects (optional) ✔️ Hot Glue Gun ✔️ Hobby Knife ✔️ Scissors Get ready to spread your wings and explore the fascinating world of aerospace! Whether you're making a glider soar or launching a rocket into the sky, you'll discover the wonders of flight and engineering. Enroll today and prepare for an uplifting journey into the skies!
Learning Goals
1. Understand Basic Aerodynamics: Students will learn the fundamental principles of how and why objects fly, including the concepts of lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
2. Discover Propulsion Systems: Gain a clear understanding of what propels aircraft and rockets, from rubber bands to water rockets, and the science behind propulsion.
3. Explore Stability and Control: Learn how aircraft and rockets are designed to be stable and controllable, including the roles of center of gravity, wings, tails, and control surfaces.
4. Experiment with Materials and Structures: Understand the importance of materials and structural design in aerospace, exploring how different materials can affect the performance and durability of flight models.
5. Apply Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design: Engage in the process of scientific inquiry and engineering design, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and iterating designs based on test results.
6. Enhance Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Foster creativity through the design and construction of various models, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving as students overcome design challenges.
7. Cultivate a Future-Focused Mindset: Inspire students to think about the future of aerospace, imagining and designing what aircraft and spacecraft might look like years from now.
8. Develop Collaboration and Communication Skills: Through group discussions and sharing projects, students will improve their ability to work with others and effectively communicate their ideas and findings.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)6 Units
23 Lessons
over 6 WeeksUnit 1: Introduction to Aerodynamics
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Aerodynamics
Lesson 2:
Interactive Lesson
Lesson 3:
Quiz Game
Lesson 4:
Hands-on Project (Mini Glider)
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents are invited to assist with gathering materials, overseeing projects, and ensuring safety during hands-on activities. Their support is especially valuable during construction and experimentation, where they can help troubleshoot and provide guidance. Parents can also engage in discussions about the class content, encouraging curiosity and deeper understanding. This involvement not only aids in reinforcing the concepts learned but also provides an opportunity for quality family learning time.
Supply List
✔️ Paper and cardboard ✔️ Balloons and rubber bands ✔️ Plastic bottles ✔️ Basic tools (scissors, tape) ✔️ Light balsa wood or foam board ✔️ Small electronics for advanced projects (optional) ✔️ Hot Glue Gun ✔️ Hobby Knife ✔️ Scissors
1 file available upon enrollment
Joined April, 2022
5.0
106reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Walsh College
The teacher of "Exploring Aerospace: From Gliders to Rockets" is an experienced educator with a strong background in physics and engineering. Building on the success of the previous Outschool class "Study Airplanes With Hands-On Projects," the instructor brings a deep understanding of flight mechanics and a passion for hands-on learning. Known for making complex concepts accessible and engaging, the teacher's expertise and personalized approach ensure a high-quality, enriching educational experience for all students.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$13
weekly or $77 for all content23 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
Completed by 25 learners
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Ages: 9-14
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