SHS1 Aviation And Aerospace Engineering · Semester 1 Week 5: Fundamentals of Flight

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.1 - Differentiate the types of aerospace vehicles.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define aerospace vehicles and state the two broad classes (aircraft and spacecraft) with at least one example of each.
Distinguish between fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, giving at least two structural and two functional differences.
Identify and name the major parts of a fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter, and a simple space vehicle, using models or sketches.
Compare aircraft and spacecraft on at least three criteria, such as operating environment, power source, and purpose.
Work cooperatively in mixed-ability groups to present findings on the differences between aircraft and spacecraft, respecting the views of all group members.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Fundamentals of Flight (1.1)
Content standard: 1.1.1.CS.2 - Demonstrate understanding of flight vehicle nomenclature. 1.1.1.LO.1 Explain the key stages characterising the evolution of flight from its inception to the advent of powered, controlled flight. 1.1.1.LO.2 Examine the types of aerospace vehicles (aircraft and spacecraft) and the interconnections between and among parts of aerospace vehicles. 1.1.1.LO.3 Discuss recommended practices in the aerospace laboratory.
Indicator: 1.1.1.LI.1 - Differentiate the types of aerospace vehicles.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 5 (Week 5 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 29

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based Learning: Assign learners to small task groups for them to research and do PowerPoint or poster presentations on the differences between aircraft and spacecraft. Let them work in mixed ability groups and encourage respect of views and tolerance among all group members. Initiate a class discussion after each presentation and summarise.
Requirement for flight: Movement of an airfoil through the air
Broad classes of aircraft:
- Fixed wing and rotary wing
- Major parts of a helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft
- Major differences between rotary and fixed-wing aircrafts
- Types and components of space vehicles
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- A toy/model helicopter
- A toy/model fixed wing airplane
- A model rocket/satellite
- Sketching materials
Assessment (1.1.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.