http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_airplanes/cub_airplanes_lesson07.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, variableconstantairplanesaerodynamicsdesignmodelpaper airplaneFuselageCockpitLanding gearWingsPropellerFlapsAileronsRudderHorizontal stabilizerElevator

This lesson teaches the engineering method for testing wherein one variable is changed while the others are held constant. Students compare the performance of a single paper airplane design while changing the shape, size and position of flaps on the airplane. Students also learn about control surfaces on the tail and wings of an airplane.

Designing the control system in an aircraft is more complicated than the control system for most other methods of transportation because not only can airplanes move left and right (yaw), but they can also pitch and roll. To master these added dimensions, engineers build ailerons, rudders and elevators to provide adequate airplane steering. Engineers build small-size models of the airplanes with these control surfaces, and place them in a wind tunnel to test the capabilities of their design. Design a model of an airplane.Modify the airplane to attempt to improve its flight.Become familiar with parts of a paper airplane and how they relate to parts on a real airplane.Explain why testing of models is an important step in the design-build process. 50TeachEngineering.orgTom RutkowskiAlex ConnerGeoffrey HillMalinda Schaefer ZarskeJanet Yowellhttp://www.knowable.com/?dl=1http://vestibule13.20m.com/ezine/northington.htmhttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/xplanes/airborne.htmlhttp://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sflight.htm S114172CInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyC. Many inventions and innovations have evolved using slow and methodical processes of tests and refinements. 68S11424E4ColoradoScienceb. Use the particle model of matter to illustrate characteristics of different substances 66S11416C8International_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyStandard 18. Students will develop an understanding of and be able to select and use transportation technologies. 012United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2010-08-236Teacher