Lesson 1: The Magic of the Airfoil
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
Students will explain Bernoulli’s Principle and shape a foam wing (airfoil) to generate lift.
1. How does air pressure create an upward force?
2. How does the curvature of a wing change its performance?
Airfoil, Bernoulli’s Principle, Leading Edge, Trailing Edge, Camber.
ENG.01.01: Explain the principles of aerodynamics.
Students use sandpaper to "camber" (curve) the top of a flat foam wing. They test the lift generated using a simple hair-dryer "wind tunnel."
Purpose: To move beyond flat-wing flight and understand fluid dynamics.
DOK Level: Level 2 (Skills & Concepts).
Provide pre-shaped airfoils for students with fine motor difficulties to test against their handmade versions.
Assessment: Sketch of a wing cross-section with arrows indicating high and low pressure zones.
Materials: Foam board, rubber bands, sandpaper, dryers, digital scales.