Sky Science: Aerodynamics Adventure!

2nd Grade

Lesson
45 minutes

Sky Science: Aerodynamics Adventure!

Tejal Desai

Purpose

The purpose of this lesson is to engage second-grade students in hands-on exploration of aerodynamics by designing and building simple flying devices using everyday materials. Through this project-based activity, students will gain a foundational understanding of how shape and structure affect flight, while also fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. By collaborating with community partners like the Exploratorium, students will connect their learning to real-world applications, such as renewable energy, and understand the broader impact of scientific principles in their community.

Learning goals

Students will understand the basic principles of aerodynamics by designing and testing flying devices. They will explore how different materials and designs affect flight performance and distance. Students will also learn about renewable energy by creating a model wind turbine, connecting their understanding of aerodynamics to real-world applications. Through hands-on activities and community partnerships, students will develop problem-solving skills and engage in scientific inquiry.

Standards

NGSS - 2-PS1-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties.
NGSS - 3-PS2-4: Define a simple design problem that can be solved by applying scientific ideas about magnets.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.1: Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.

Week 1	Day 1
Activities	Take students outside or to a designated area to test their flying devices. Have them launch their creations from a set height and observe the flight path. Encourage them to record observations about how far and how smoothly their devices fly. Discuss how the different designs performed and what might have contributed to their success or challenges. This activity allows students to apply scientific inquiry by testing hypotheses and drawing conclusions from their observations, enhancing their understanding of aerodynamics. (10 minutes) Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever flown a paper airplane and what they noticed about its flight. Explain that today, they will learn about aerodynamics, which is the way air moves around things. Introduce the challenge question about designing flying devices. Use simple drawings or models to demonstrate how different shapes can affect flight. Highlight how this knowledge is used in real life, such as in airplanes and wind turbines. This activity sets the stage for the hands-on exploration by connecting the concept with students' prior experiences and curiosity. (10 minutes) Guide students to gather everyday materials like paper, cardboard, and tape. Encourage them to brainstorm and sketch ideas for their flying device designs. Once they have a plan, allow them to create their devices. Offer examples of different designs, such as flat wings versus curved wings, to spark creativity and discussion about aerodynamics. Walk around to provide support and ask guiding questions, such as what changes they could make to improve their design. This hands-on activity engages students in applying their understanding of aerodynamics while fostering creativity and problem-solving. (20 minutes) Conclude the lesson by discussing the students' findings and what they learned about aerodynamics through their tests. Highlight how these principles are used in real-world applications like wind turbines and airplanes. Introduce the idea of partnering with the Exploratorium in San Francisco for further exploration. Encourage students to think about how their new knowledge can benefit their community, such as understanding renewable energy. This wrap-up solidifies learning and connects it to broader contexts and future learning opportunities. (5 minutes)
Deliverables
Preparation