Tech Directions - April 2008 - (Page 18)

Material/Equipment List Personal computer with word-processing software Internet access Printer paper Wax paper and/or tissue paper Two small rubber bands 12" × 1/2" stick of balsa wood Five 12" × 1 mm sticks of balsa wood Razor knife and/or scissors (depending on age of students) Two 1-1/2"-tall paper supports and glue glider testing, the instructor will record whether or not the plane was capable of traveling at least 10' after three attempts. The instructor will also evaluate lift, drag, and overall performance of the plane. Limitations/Requirements 1. Students will work in teams of three to build their gliders. 2. Student teams must use only the materials provided in manufacturing their glider. 3. All gliders must be tested with teacher supervision and be capable of traveling at least 10' (three attempts allowed). global positioning system currently in use (Blakey, 2003, p.206). Work to further improve the design of aircraft continues. Greater use of composites and automated manufacturing will bring costs down. (Marsh, 2000, p.2). The future of aeronautical design is both promising and exciting. Procedure 1. Open an Internet Web browser and review these Web sites: http:// aeroracers.com/gliders.html and 3. Go to www.centennialofflight. gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/ airplane/TH2G5.htm and select a specific wing style for a glider. Go to www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/ Theories_of_Flight/airplane/ TH2G6.htm and select a tail design. 4. Draw a glider design on graph paper, including dimensions and materials. Draw overhead view along with a side view of the glider. 5. Have the plan approved by your instructor and request materials. 6. Build the wings based on the chosen design. Assemble one wing at a time. When connecting the two wings together, use folded paper supports to raise the ends of the wing before attaching each side by using a center wing support. Make sure that the wing support is at least Photo 1 Objectives On completion of this project, students will be able to: 1. Apply and synthesize the principles of flight design by building a glider using wooden sticks, paper, and rubber bands. 2. Use Internet resources to research wing and tail designs and select one of each for model glider design. 3. Manufacture a model with the specified materials that will travel a minimum of 10'. Photo 2 The Challenge Teams of students will use the Internet as a resource to research plane designs. They will then draw a glider design plan on graph paper. Each team will receive model glider materials. Balsa wood, lightweight paper or wax paper, and rubber bands are recommended. (Glider kits like the one pictured here can be purchased from a variety of educational vendors.) Student teams will use class time to custom manufacture a model glider. All gliders will be tested under instructor supervision. During www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/ Theories_of_Flight/airplane/ TH2.htm 2. Expand the search beyond these two Web sites, trying to locate additional sites with information related to airplane design. a 1/2" too long on each side so that it can be attached to the body. (See Photos 1 and 2.) 7. Build the body of the plane with the tail design attached to the end of the body frame (Photo 3). 8. Cover the wings and the tail Photo 3 18 techdirections ◆ APRIL 2008 http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G5.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G5.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G5.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G6.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G6.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2G6.htm http://aeroracers.com/gliders.html http://aeroracers.com/gliders.html http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2.htm http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Theories_of_Flight/airplane/TH2.htm

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - April 2008

Tech Directions - April 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology's Past Technology Today Mastering Computers A Bridge to the Future Aeronautics Study Takes Off! Glider Design for Beginners Project Engineer in the Heavy Construction Industry for Renewable Energy Annual Buyers' Guide More than Fun

Tech Directions - April 2008

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