Lesson 2: Finding the "Sweet Spot" (Center of Gravity)
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Students will apply the Four Forces of Flight to balance their glider using weights.
1. Why is the Center of Gravity (CG) the most important point on an aircraft?
2. How does adding pennies actually help a glider fly further?
Center of Gravity (CG), Ballast, Static Stability, Stalling, Nose-heavy.
ENG.01.03: Identify the 4 forces of flight (Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag).
Students assemble their main fuselage and wings. They use pennies and tape to find the balance point that allows for a "flat glide" rather than a nose-dive or a stall.
Purpose: To understand the equilibrium between Lift and Weight.
DOK Level: Level 3 (Strategic Thinking).
Use colored tape to mark the "ideal" CG range on the fuselage for visual guidance.
Assessment: Students must "pass" a 10-foot glide test with a flat landing.
Materials: Glider fuselages, pennies, masking tape, rulers, rubber bands.