Sky Savers: The Power of Hydraulics in Flight

High School Grade Project 4 weeks

Sky Savers: The Power of Hydraulics in Flight

Leah Lane

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Purpose

Students will explore the critical role of hydraulic systems in aviation by engaging in hands-on activities that simulate real-world scenarios. Collaborating with professionals from the Coast Guard Base, students will gain insights into the practical applications and safety protocols of hydraulic systems in aircraft. Through daily journaling, students will reflect on their learning experiences, documenting their understanding of how these systems contribute to the safety and efficiency of modern aircraft. This project will culminate in a presentation where students showcase their findings and propose innovative solutions to enhance hydraulic system performance in aviation.

Learning goals

Students will explore the mechanics and applications of hydraulic systems in aviation, understanding their role in enhancing aircraft safety and efficiency. They will engage in hands-on activities, such as constructing simple hydraulic models, to illustrate these principles. Collaboration with the Coast Guard Base will provide real-world insights and context, allowing students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Through reflective journaling, students will document their learning journey, challenges faced, and insights gained, fostering a deeper understanding of hydraulic systems in aviation.

Standards

NGSS - HS-PS2-6: Communicate scientific and technical information about why the molecular-level structure is important in the functioning of designed materials.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a working model of an aircraft hydraulic system, demonstrating its role in safety and efficiency. Throughout the project, they will document their progress and insights in a reflective journal, capturing their understanding and problem-solving strategies. The final presentation will include a demonstration of the model, supported by a detailed explanation of its components and functions, shared with community partners from the Coast Guard Base.

Launch

Kick off the project with a visit to the Coast Guard Base, where students can observe real-world applications of hydraulic systems in aircraft. During the visit, students will engage with Coast Guard personnel to learn about the critical role of hydraulics in ensuring aircraft safety and efficiency. This hands-on experience will set the stage for students to explore the essential question and inspire their project work.

Exhibition

Students will present their findings and hydraulic system models at a community event hosted at the Coast Guard Base. They will demonstrate how hydraulic systems function and discuss their impact on aircraft safety and efficiency. Attendees, including aviation professionals and family members, will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the students' work. This exhibition will serve as a platform for students to showcase their understanding and receive feedback from real-world practitioners.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Hydraulics - Begin the week with a discussion on the essential question: 'How do hydraulic systems impact the safety and efficiency of modern aircraft?' Facilitate a class brainstorm on students' prior knowledge and questions about hydraulics in aviation.	Activity 2: Coast Guard Base Visit - Organize a visit to the Coast Guard Base for students to observe hydraulic systems in action. Students will take notes and ask questions to understand the real-world applications and safety protocols related to hydraulics in aircraft.	Activity 3: Hands-On Exploration - In class, students will work in small groups to construct simple hydraulic models using syringes, tubing, and water to simulate basic hydraulic functions. This activity will demonstrate how hydraulic pressure is used to create movement.	Activity 4: Reflection and Journaling - Students will begin their reflective journaling by documenting insights from the Coast Guard visit and hands-on exploration, focusing on how hydraulic systems contribute to aircraft safety and efficiency.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Reflective Journal Entry - Students will submit their first journal entry summarizing their learning from the Coast Guard visit and initial hands-on exploration, including reflections on the essential question.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Schedule and coordinate the visit to the Coast Guard Base, ensuring all necessary permissions and transportation arrangements are made. 2. Prep Task 2: Gather materials for the hands-on exploration activity, including syringes, tubing, water, and containers for construction of hydraulic models. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare a list of guiding questions for students to consider during the Coast Guard Base visit to maximize learning and engagement. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a classroom space conducive to group work and hands-on activities, with necessary safety protocols in place for using materials.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Hydraulic System Design Session - Students will work in small groups to brainstorm and sketch the design of a simple hydraulic system that could be used in an aircraft. They will identify key components and discuss their functions, considering safety and efficiency.	Activity 2: Prototype Construction - Using materials such as syringes, tubing, and cardboard, students will begin constructing a prototype of their hydraulic system design. This hands-on activity will help them understand the mechanics and challenges of hydraulic systems.	Activity 3: Testing and Iteration - Students will test their prototypes to evaluate how well they achieve the desired movement and pressure. They will document the testing process, noting any challenges and iterating on their design to improve performance.	Activity 4: Reflection and Journaling - Students will reflect on their design and construction process in their journals. They will document key learnings, challenges, and insights related to the role of hydraulic systems in aviation safety and efficiency.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Group Design Sketch - Each group will submit a detailed sketch of their hydraulic system design, highlighting the components and their functions. 2. Deliverable 2: Prototype and Testing Report - Students will submit a report documenting their prototype, testing process, and any modifications made to improve the design.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Gather additional materials for prototype construction, including syringes, tubing, cardboard, and any other necessary components. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange the classroom for collaborative workspaces where students can construct and test their prototypes. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a rubric for assessing the design sketches and prototypes, focusing on creativity, functionality, and understanding of hydraulic principles. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts to guide students in their journaling about the design and testing process.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Hydraulic Mechanisms Exploration - Students will investigate more complex hydraulic mechanisms used in modern aircraft, focusing on how these systems enhance safety and efficiency. They will conduct research using online resources and articles provided by the teacher.	Activity 2: Collaboration with Coast Guard Experts - Arrange a virtual session where students can interact with Coast Guard personnel to discuss their prototype designs and receive feedback on their hydraulic models. Students will prepare questions and present their progress.	Activity 3: Model Refinement and Enhancement - Based on the feedback received, students will refine their hydraulic models to enhance functionality and address any issues identified. This iterative process will focus on improving their understanding of hydraulic systems' practical applications.	Activity 4: Reflection and Journaling - Students will continue journaling, reflecting on the insights gained from their research and expert feedback. They will document the changes made to their models and the rationale behind these modifications.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Research Summary - Students will submit a summary of their research findings on advanced hydraulic mechanisms, highlighting key insights and innovations in aviation. 2. Deliverable 2: Model Enhancement Documentation - Groups will submit a detailed report of the modifications made to their hydraulic models, including before-and-after comparisons and justifications.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Curate a list of online resources and articles about advanced hydraulic mechanisms for students to explore. 2. Prep Task 2: Coordinate and schedule the virtual session with Coast Guard experts, ensuring technology setup and connection are reliable. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide feedback guidelines and question prompts to help students prepare for their interaction with Coast Guard personnel. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize the classroom to facilitate model refinement activities, ensuring availability of additional materials as needed for enhancements.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Final Model Testing and Validation - Students will conduct a thorough testing session of their hydraulic models to ensure all components function properly, simulating real-world conditions as closely as possible. They will collect data on performance metrics such as pressure, movement, and safety features.	Activity 2: Presentation Preparation - Students will work in their groups to develop a comprehensive presentation that summarizes their project journey, including the design process, challenges faced, solutions developed, and insights gained. They will prepare to demonstrate their models and explain the significance of hydraulic systems in aircraft safety and efficiency.	Activity 3: Exhibition and Feedback Session - Host a presentation event at the Coast Guard Base where students will showcase their hydraulic models to community partners, including Coast Guard personnel, family members, and peers. Students will engage in discussions, answer questions, and receive feedback from attendees.	Activity 4: Final Reflection and Journaling - Students will complete their project journals with a final reflection on their learning experiences. They will document the feedback received during the exhibition and any final thoughts on the project, connecting back to the essential question.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final Model Performance Report - Each group will submit a final report detailing the performance of their hydraulic model based on testing data, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. 2. Deliverable 2: Group Presentation - Students will deliver their group presentation during the exhibition event, demonstrating their hydraulic model and explaining their learning process and findings. 3. Deliverable 3: Completed Project Journal - Students will submit their completed journals, including reflections from the entire project duration and insights from the exhibition experience.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange logistics for the exhibition event at the Coast Guard Base, coordinating with community partners and ensuring all necessary equipment is available. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide students with guidelines and a rubric for the final presentation, outlining expectations for content, delivery, and model demonstration. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a testing station in the classroom with tools and resources needed for students to conduct final testing of their models. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare feedback forms for attendees of the exhibition to provide structured feedback to student presenters.