Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to understand the basic principles of flight and how airplanes work.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Pencils or crayons
• Scissors
• Tape
• Optional: Computer or tablet with internet access

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Activity 1: Paper Airplane Design

   Start by discussing the different parts of an airplane, such as wings, fuselage, and tail. Explain how each part contributes to flight.

   Then, have the student design and create their own paper airplane. Encourage them to be creative and experiment with different wing shapes and sizes.

   Once the airplanes are ready, find an open space indoors or outdoors to test them. Have the student throw their airplane and observe how it flies. Discuss why certain designs may work better than others.

2. Activity 2: Online Research

   If you have access to a computer or tablet with internet access, guide the student in researching different types of airplanes. Encourage them to find pictures and information about their favorite airplanes.

   Discuss the different uses of airplanes, such as passenger planes, cargo planes, and military planes. Talk about how airplanes have changed over time and how they have impacted travel and transportation.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Airplanes are vehicles that can fly in the sky."
• "Airplanes have wings that help them stay up in the air. The shape of the wings is important."
• "The fuselage is the main body of the airplane where passengers or cargo are carried."
• "The tail of the airplane helps with stability and control."
• "When we throw a paper airplane, it moves through the air because of the force we apply and the shape of its wings."
• "Different airplanes have different uses, like carrying people or delivering goods."
• "Airplanes have made it easier for people to travel long distances quickly."
• "Airplanes can be big or small, and they come in many different shapes and colors."