Designing and Flying an Airplane in KerbalEDU

Grade Level: 6-8

Time Required: 2-3 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Objective:

Students will design, build, and test an airplane or jet using KerbalEDU, exploring basic aerodynamics, thrust, lift, and stability. They will analyze their aircraft’s performance and make improvements based on testing.

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction to Aerodynamics (Day 1 - 20-30 min)

Engage (Discussion & Video)

• Begin by asking students: What makes an airplane fly?

• Discuss the four forces of flight (Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag).

• Show a short video or animation explaining these concepts.

• Introduce KerbalEDU, explaining that they will design and test their own airplanes in a simulation.

2. Designing an Airplane (Day 1 - 30-40 min)

Explore (Hands-On in KerbalEDU)

• Guide students through the Spaceplane Hangar in KerbalEDU.

• Explain key components:

  • Wings (Lift)

  • Engines (Thrust)

  • Fuel tanks (Weight)

  • Aerodynamic surfaces (Elevators, Rudders, Ailerons) (Stability & Control)

• Demonstrate how to build a simple airplane using the Basic Jet Engine, wings, and landing gear.

3. Testing and Flying (Day 2 - 45-60 min)

Experiment (Launch & Flight Tests)

• Have students take their planes to the runway.

• Teach them basic flight controls:

  • Throttle (Shift/Control) – Increase/Decrease engine power

  • Pitch (W/S) – Nose up/down

  • Roll (A/D) – Bank left/right

  • Yaw (Q/E) – Adjust horizontal direction

  • Landing Gear (G) – Deploy/retract wheels

  • Brakes (B) – Stop the plane

• Students attempt takeoff and controlled flight.

• Encourage them to observe stability issues and adjust their designs.

4. Improving the Design (Day 3 - 45-60 min)

Redesign & Optimization

• Have students reflect on their test flight:

  • Did their plane take off smoothly?

  • Was it stable in the air?

  • Could they land safely?

• Guide them in modifying their design:

  • Increase wing surface area for more lift.

  • Adjust center of gravity for better balance.

  • Use different engine types for more/less thrust.

5. Challenge: Fly to a Target

• Give students a mission: Fly to an island runway or hit a specific altitude goal.

• They must modify their design to maximize efficiency and control.

Assessment:

✅ Basic Flight Mastery: Can the student take off, maintain level flight, and land?
✅ Design Understanding: Did they make improvements based on aerodynamics principles?
✅ Critical Thinking: Did they adjust and refine their aircraft based on test results?

Extensions:

• Advanced Challenge: Create a supersonic jet!

• STEM Connection: Discuss how real aircraft are tested and improved before flights.