Aerospace Engineering - Lesson Outline Matrix

Curriculum Index » Aerospace Engineering - Lesson Outline Matrix

Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Students will examine the history of aviation and learn about flight in Earth atmosphere and space. Included in the basic survey course are lessons on the physics of flight (can be omitted if students are prepared), the forces of flight and aircraft controls, the lift equation, rocket flight, and satellite orbits. An optional unit on wind tunnel construction and experimentation is under development.

WEEK 1

Students are introduced to aviation history and aerospace engineering achievements. Students will assemble a class aviation history timeline from individual student research on people and events.

WEEK 2

This week is a review of basic physics and mathematics: Newton's Laws, forces, motion, acceleration. Standard physics texts and physics lessons may be used for reference.

MONDAY

Physics of Flight

TUESDAY

Physics of Flight

WEDNESDAY

Physics of Flight

THURSDAY

Physics of Flight

FRIDAY

Physics of Flight

WEEK 3

Build on the physics of flight to examine forces acting on aircraft, how we generate motion, and how we control flight through the air.

MONDAY

Forces of Aircraft Flight

TUESDAY

Forces of Aircraft Flight

WEDNESDAY

Forces of Aircraft Flight

THURSDAY

Forces of Aircraft Flight

FRIDAY

Forces of Aircraft Flight

WEEK 4

The specialized fields of aerodynamics and fluid mechanics explain how aircraft wings (airfoils) create lift in the atmosphere. Students will use a simulator called FoilSim to understand the variables that affect lift. FoilSim is a free application avaliable for download from the NASA Glen Research Center.