Aircraft Structures and Control · SHS3 Aviation And…

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.1.3.LI.2 - Evaluate the different types of aircraft construction.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Explain the four main types of aircraft construction: truss, monocoque, semi-monocoque, and composite, stating the key feature of each.
Compare the strength, weight, and structural behaviour of the different construction types using a structured evaluation matrix.
Build a small model of at least one aircraft construction type using provided materials (styrofoam, broomsticks, cardboard) and justify the choice of construction method used.
Evaluate, in writing, the advantages and disadvantages of each construction type for a given aircraft role (e.g. cargo plane, fighter jet, passenger airliner, small drone).
Present and defend their group’s model and evaluation to the class, responding respectfully to peer comments and questions.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Aircraft Structures and Control (1.3)
Content standard: 3.1.3.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge of various types of aircraft construction. 3.1.3.LO.1 Identify the structural design of an airframe. 3.1.3.LO.2 Discuss the flight controls of aerospace vehicle and its impact on the movement of the vehicle. 3.1.3.LO.3 Explain the concepts of static dynamic stability of aerospace vehicles.
Indicator: 3.1.3.LI.2 - Evaluate the different types of aircraft construction.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 2 (Week 2 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. 93

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Project-Based Learning: In small mixed gender groups, build models of the various aircraft construction types (truss, monocoque, semi-monocoque, composite) using basic materials such as styrofoam, broomsticks and cardboard. Display and let learners comment on one another's projects.
- Audio-visuals showing the different types of aircraft
- Broomsticks
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- construction * Styrofoam
- Cardboard
Assessment (3.1.3.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.