Lighter Than Air Vehicles (LTAV)

Introduction:

The purpose of this problem-solving activity is to teach you, the student, the science associated with non-powered flight, in this example, balsa wood gliders. In addition, students will learn the physics of powered flight by experimenting with different control surface adjustments on their glider. This unit also ties in with the hot air balloon activity involving lighter than air vehicles (LTAV). A primary benefit from this activity is it is designed to force you to research, choose and construct different glider designs that will enable your glider to travel as far as possible down range with accuracy.

Objective:

• Design and construct a balsa wood glider to fly for as long as possible.

  • Performance - The glider must GLIDE at least 25'.

  • Repeatability - The glider must travel at least 25' in three successive tests

  • Durability - The glider must not break on any of these tests.

• Students must research, design and construct their glider by researching the technology using the Internet or other source material.

• Students can collaborate and trade ideas with peers, but each student will build their own glider.

Supplies:

• • Balsa wood fuselage

  • Balsa wood and tag board sheet used to construct glider control surfaces (rudder, ailerons, elevator, fin, wing, etc...)

  • Ballast to redistribute weight in order to improve glider performance (paper clips, binder clips, pennies, modeling clay, etc...)

  • Low Temp glue slugs

  • Hobby knife and green safety mat/pad

  • Paint or markers

  • Hot glue gun and slugs

Safety and Instructions:

• Watch this video ----> Craft Knife Safety

• Launch the following links to gain knowledge on glider physics:

How to make a balsa wood glider (Students can modify their glider)

Tail Designs

DESIGN TIPS !!!

• Reference the websites above and watch the Hobby Knife Safety Video to score 100% on the Craft Knife Safety (Glider Physics) Test

• Students must score a 100% on the test before receiving supplies for constructing your glider

• Students should search other sources for information on independent variables that effect glider performance before constructing their glider.

Assessment:

Glider Physics Vocabulary

Craft Knife Safety Test

Glider Design, Construction and Testing

Let's Get Ready to Launch Some Lighter than Air Tetrahedral Kites!

For this challenge you will construct, test and modify (if necessary) a kite!! In addition, students will research other lighter than air vehicles (LTAV), including the hot air balloon.

Introduction:

Launch the following link: Principles of Flight: Kites

Directions:

1. Complete the following Kites WebQuest, Crossword Puzzle and/or Kites Vocabulary worksheet using the link above.

2. Make sure to answer all questions.

3. You can find a copy of the worksheet at the bottom of this page under files

Supplies:

Gather the following supplies

• Scissors

• Glue Stick

• Tissue

• Template

• Straws

• String

Instructions:

• Watch the following video ---> Tetrahedral Kite Construction

Assessments:

• Tedrehedron Kites Webquest (100 points - Formative)

• Kite Test (500 - Formative)

Let's Get Ready to Launch Some Lighter than Hot Air Balloons!

Introduction:

Launch the following link: Hot Air Balloons

Directions:

1. Complete the following Hot Air Balloon WebQuest worksheet using the link above AND/OR complete the Hot Air Balloons vocabulary worksheet. These worksheets are 200 points each.

2. Make sure to answer all questions and definitions

3. You can find a copy of both worksheets at the bottom of this page under files

Terminology: