Soaring Through Science: Unraveling the Physics of Flight in Aeronautics
Friday, Jan 31, 2025
Soaring Through Science: Unraveling the Physics of Flight in Aeronautics invites educators on a journey through the captivating world of aeronautics. This workshop is carefully designed to empower teachers with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to bring the principles of flight and the physics behind it to life in their classrooms. The day begins with a primer on fundamental flight concepts, swiftly moving into the exploration of forces impacting flight. Participants will delve into the effects of lift through engaging airfoil and propellor experiments, supplemented with demonstrative activities. Following this, the educators will engage with the concept of drag and its role in flight, diving into vortex studies and designing their own vortex flyers. Further deepening the understanding of flight principles, participants will explore advanced straw rocket design, with a focus on problem-solving and optimizing flight trajectory. During lunch, educators will discuss and reflect on key scientific principles underpinning aeronautics, including Bernoulli's Principle, Charles' Law, and the concepts of convection and temperature. The post-lunch session will immerse teachers in the practical application of aeronautical principles. The educators will experiment with rotocopters and delve into the fascinating world of water rockets. They will learn about the relationship between pressure and height, devise and build a clinometer, and have the chance to experiment with different variables in design. The day concludes with iterative testing, offering a practical application of scientific experimentation and refinement, reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement in engineering design. Teachers will reflect on the day's activities, solidifying their understanding and brainstorming ways to incorporate these aeronautical lessons into their classrooms. This unique professional development opportunity combines theoretical understanding with hands-on application all while empowering educators to bring the wonder of flight into their classrooms, sparking curiosity, and deepening student understanding of aeronautical physics.