Overview of NASA/STEP Curriculum Module-Summer 2000
I. Title of Module:
II. Author(s):
III. Grade Level:
IV. Nature of The Students:
V. Purposes (Course Objectives):
To introduce children to the fundamentals of physics in a fun non-structured way.
VI. Overview: (Course Description):
Each group of about 25 children built model airplanes powered by rubber bands and rockets that were powered by air pressure and water. Using glue and crazy glue the students built these objects which were flown at the end of the two week session on the campus quad. Each day students were taught a mini lesson on principles of physics. Discussions were conducted about Bernoulli’s principle and its effect on lift and drag of an aircraft. In addition Newton’s three laws were applied, and problems were solved. Students were taught scientific notation, the SI System (Metric Units) and all its fundamental units as well as dimensional analysis.
Conclusion: The children set off their rockets, and flew the planes that they had built, experiencing first hand the principles of physics. Their enthusiasm was demonstrated by their screams of delight on seeing the objects they created with their hands, soar in the air.
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Last Updated Sept. 27, 2000 by Roz Krakowsky
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