Core Skills Analysis
STEAM
- Ashton learned about aerodynamics by analyzing the reasons the airplane might take off crooked, enhancing his understanding of forces and flight.
- Through the process of fixing the wheels, he applied problem-solving skills, recognizing the importance of alignment and balance in mechanical design.
- The activity encouraged critical thinking as Ashton hypothesized about various factors affecting the airplane's flight and tested these hypotheses practically.
- By building the remote control airplane, he developed skills in engineering and design, understanding how different components work together to create functional models.
Tips
To further enhance Ashton's learning experience, I recommend that he delve into basic physics principles related to lift and drag. Encouraging him to experiment with different wing shapes or weights could provide concrete evidence of how design affects flight. Additionally, integrating computer-aided design (CAD) software could foster a deeper understanding of how engineering concepts are applied in real-world situations.
Book Recommendations
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba: A true story of a boy in Malawi who builds a windmill to create electricity for his family's home.
- How Things Work: The Facts Visually Explained by Dorling Kindersley: This book provides a clear and engaging look at how various machines and structures operate, including those relevant to aviation.
- The Science of Flight: AHistorical Perspective by David H. Levy: A book that explores the history and physics of flight, offering insights into the mechanics of airplane operation and design.
Learning Standards
- Next Generation Science Standards: MS-PS2-3 (Analyze and interpret data to determine if a design solution works as intended.)
- Common Core ELA-Literacy: RST.6-8.1 (Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.)
- NGSS MS-ETS1-1 (Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution.)