Aerodynamics and Propulsion

Curriculum details

Strand

Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering (Strand 1)

Sub-strand

Aerodynamics and Propulsion (1.2)

Content standard

2.1.2.CS.2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the balance of forces acting on an aerospace vehicle in flight. 2.1.2.LO.1 Explain the importance of weather in flight 2.1.2.LO.2 Identify the forces acting on an aerospace vehicle in flight. 2.1.2.LO.3 Compute the thrust generated by the propulsion system of an aerospace vehicle.

Indicator

2.1.2.LI.1 - Distinguish between the four major forces (lift, drag, thrust and weight) that act on an aerospace vehicle in flight.

Suggested placement

Semester 1, Week 7 (Week 7 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. 67

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for Learning: Building on the basic knowledge students have about forces, teacher goes on to identify the forces of lift, drag, thrust and weight, showing their interrelationship during the flight of aerospace vehicles.
Building on What Others Say: Students draw on their knowledge about forces from Physics lessons to relate forces at work in the environment (e.g., gravitational force, frictional force) to those that act on aircraft.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Model aircraft
- Audio-visuals showing the forces along the axes of an aircraft
- Introduction to flight (a book by John D. Anderson Jr.)
- The Pilot's handbook of aeronautical
- Airline manuals for estimation of
- knowledge (FAA) weight
Assessment (2.1.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.