The Principia School
Understanding By Design
“Flying High with Interdisciplinary Learning Using HandsOn STEAM Activities”
Grade and Subject: Freshman Physics, Algebra 1, Freshman
Designer: Kathy Foy, Sheila Hobson, and Jodi
English
Fielding
Summary of Unit: Driven to Explore - The Challenges of Exploration and New Discoveries
The desire to explore the unknown has long been a motivator. Man has always wanted to fly like the birds, progressing from flapping
our arms to determining the basics of flight with the Wright brothers, to airplanes, jets, and then rockets that took us to the Moon.
Today we are headed to Mars. Scientists have applied and expanded the basic principles of aerodynamics, and mankind feels limitless
in our desire to explore, whether it be our large universe or the small woods around the Principia School campus manipulating
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for mapping. By applying the basics of lift, drag, thrust and gravity, principles that the birds use every
day, students will be designing and building a glider, launching a rocket, and flying an airplane simulator.
In Physics and Algebra classes, this is a STEM initiative to introduce the connection between math, science, and engineering by putting
into practice scientific principles of flight through a computer aided design , virtual testing, and actual model construction. Our students
will be working together and learning how to apply physics formulas and using their algebraic skills to solve for unknown variables.
Students will also be completing an Engineering report which will allow the them to demonstrate their understanding of the principles
of flight.
In 9th grade English classes, students will analyze man’s never-ending desire to explore our world and universe and look at the
characteristics of an explorer, their journey, and the wider range of impacts. Ray Bradbury’s short story, “The Rocket Man,” will provide
the backdrop for understanding character development and the struggles encountered by both explorers and those they love.
Consecutively, freshman Non-Western Civilization classes will look at the history of European exploration and its impact on the world’s
political, economic, and social structures.
Title of Unit: Flying High – Driven to Explore –
The Challenges of Exploration and New Discoveries
An inter-disciplinary STEAM unit involving
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts (LA and HIST) and Math.
Duration of Unit:
Science/Math Four weeks combined class
Day 1-4 History of Aviation
5-8 basics of aerodynamics
9 (background/design specs/knowledge
10,11 design tutorial
12-14 Design a virtual glider
15,16 Air show and analyze design
17-19 Build and Test physical model
20 Glider competition
English: Three Weeks
Day 1 - History/English combined class - Introduce the unit.
Day 2-8 - English - Introduce the literature and proceed with
daily unit plan.
Students will understand that …
Unit-long Understandings
Essential Questions:
UG 1 . PHY Students will understand that the development
of aerodynamics has modernized civilization
UG 2.. PHY Students will understand how fluid motion
(whether air or water) contributes to the way things work.
UG 3. PHY Students will understand that lift is pressure, the
result of unequal air movement over an airfoil.
UG 4. PHY Students will understand that the four forces of
EQ How has the development in aerodynamics propelled
civilization forward.?
EQ 2. PHY What environmental forces can be used to
move machines throughout the world.?
EQ 3.PHY How does ratio of the surface area of the wing or
any curved surface compared to the weight, increase the lift
and speed of a glider?
EQ 4. PHY Which forces allow birds and aircraft fly?
flight can be manipulated to allow any object to fly.
UG 5. PHY Students will understand that to maintain the
stability of an aircraft yaw, pitch and roll must be balanced.
UG 6.ENG Students will understand that the engineering
design requires applying basic principles to models and
changing one variable at a time.
UG 7. Math Students will understand how to use their
algebraic skills when calculating specifications for their glider.
UG 8 Math Students will understand that solving equations is
a process of reasoning and will students will explain each
step in solving simple equations and construct a viable
argument to justify their solution method.
UG 9 LA Students will understand that explorers are often
defined by their ability to overcome challenges.
EQ 5. PH Which movements are needed to fly a glider,
airplane, or rocket?
EQ 6. ENG How does changing one variable to any part if
the glider, (ie.the wing or stabilizer), impact the time aloft.
EQ 7 MATH By isolating an unknown variable, how can
formulas can be used to design and test the efficiency and
flight of a glider?
EQ 8 MATH What are the equations necessary to
determine weight, density, velocity, force, and momentum
that apply to allow a glider to fly for at least 2 seconds?
EQ 9 ENG What are the characteristics of an explorer?
UG 10 LA and HIST Exploration is reflective of the
explorer’s character and life experience.
UG 9 LA and HIST Exploration and discovery impact both
the explorer and society in both negative and positive ways.
EQ 9 ENG How is an explorer or heroes’ journey defined?
UG 10 LA and HIST Exploration and discovery carry with it
implied responsibility.
EQ 11 ENG What types of responsibility does an explorer
have to themselves and others – family, society,
environment, and world?
Math and Science Students will
know...
· History of aviation: aviators, planes
and rockets.
· Fluid motion contributes to the way
things work
· Effects of pressure in water and air
· Bernoulli’s principle
· Venturi principle
· Atmospheric pressure
· Lift is pressure, the result of unequal
air movement over an airfoil.
· Four forces of flight can be manipulated
to allow any object to fly.
· Newton’s Laws of Motion
· Gravity, mass and weight
· Center of Gravity
· That to maintain the stability of an
aircraft yaw, pitch and roll must be
balanced.
· Specific movement of yaw, pitch, and
roll
· Parts of an airplane
· Engineering design requires applying
basic principles to make models and
changing one variable at a time.
· Engineering is a process of problem
solving through designing, analysis, and
constant evaluation to produce a product.
· Algebraic skills are necessary in
calculating specifications for their glider.
· Solving equations is a process of
reasoning and will explain each step in
solving simple equations and construct a
viable argument to justify the solution
EQ 10 ENG How is the explorer’s character reflective of the
exploration?
Math and Science Students will
be skilled at ...
Math and Science Students will
expand their learning through...
· Creating a scientific poster about an
airplane
· Collaborating on a google ppt
· Researching from books
· Researching on internet
· Conducting Interviews as a primary
source
· Documenting sources using Noodle
Bib
· Building models of aircraft
· Conducting lab experiments
demonstrating air flow over a wing
· Reconfiguring balloons
· Demonstrating effects of pressure
in a vacuum vessel
· Demonstrating with paper, ping
pong ball, and other uneven air flow –
the principle of lift
· Identifying the four forces of flight paper airplane contest
· Determining the balance of forces
of lift, drag, thrust, and weight using
math formulas,
· Calculating the Potential and Kinetic
energy formulas
· Finding the center of gravity of an
object
· Equate the parts of the aircraft
which control these forces of flight.
· Show these movements using a
person’s body
· Create a virtual glider according to
specifications
· Try out each design on virtual
program and reconfigure
· Construct a glider based on
requirements student determined on
· Whitebox Learning program
· Research on an airplane/pilot or
rocket
· Flying Microsoft Flight Simulator
· Rocket launch
· Build RC, Fly RC, Fly UAV
· Visit Boeing Museum
· Meet a pilot
· Flight Safety
· PHYSICS textbook
· Daily journal used for all notes,
diagrams and designs.
· Videos from youtube
· Drawing diagrams of air flow
· Comparing pressure due to volume
and temperature
· Manipulating model aircraft
· Hands on activities: Using a small
wind tunnel, fan and dry ice to show
vortices over a curved surface
· Diagramming and explaining their
demonstrations on white boards
· Making a tube fly
· Fly a Frisbee- and identify the forces
· Launch a water rocket to a specific
target, calculating the math
· Make and launch a Goddard rocket
· Use a model airplane to demonstrate
yaw, pitch and roll
· Demonstrate movements on flight
simulator in classroom
· Complete a take-off and landing on
the flight simulator
White box instruction:
· CAD Computer Aided Design
· Computer simulation
method.
computer program.
· Model, Draw, Predict, Construct,
Calculating, Interpreting
· Using the vertical motion formula for
an object thrown and calculating initial
velocity
· Applying physics formula and using
algebraic skills to solve for an
unknown variable
· Demonstrating that unbalanced
forces produces motion using
formulas
· Solve formulas for balancing lift and
gravity, thrust and drag
· Applying one variable at a time to the
computer program
Engineering
· Successful launch of glider
· Virtual glider trials
· Create a 3-D plastic model of glider
using STL code
· Reconfigure each redesign on
Whitebox drawings
English Students will ...
English Students will expand their
learning through...
● RL.9-10.2. Determine a theme or
central idea of a text
English: Students will know that...
●
RL.9-10.3. Analyze how complex
● Reading requires engagement of
characters develop over the course
critical thinking and analytical skills,
of a text, interact with other
including annotation.
characters, and advance the plot or
● Authors use literary devices to
support the author’s message,
develop the theme.
engaging the imagination, and
● RL.9-10.4.. Determine the meaning
enriching one’s life- (setting, plot,
of words and phrases as they are
theme, characterization, figurative
used in the text
language, imagery, similes,
● W.9-10.3. Write narratives to
personification, motif).
develop real or imagined experiences
● Critical reading includes responding to
or events using effective technique,
the text in a variety of ways.
well-chosen details, and well● Being an effective writer requires use
structured event sequences.
of standard formatting and
conventions.Critical thinking supports ● W.9-10.5. Develop and strengthen
reading and writing - evident in written
writing as needed by planning,
responses.
revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a
● Effective writing is logical, coherent,
new approach, focusing on
and engages critical thinking and
addressing what is most significant
reasoning.
for a specific purpose and audience.
● Writing is a process that includes pre●
W.9-10.6. Use technology, including
writing, draft, editing, revision. and
the Internet, to produce, publish, and
final product.
update individual or shared writing
● Our writing improves as thinking and
products.
writing skills develop.
● W.9-10.4. Produce clear and
coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style
are appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience.
● SL.9-10.1. Initiate and participate
effectively in a range of collaborative
discussions.
Text Reading and Annotation
Dialectical Journaling
Small Group and Whole Class
Discussions
Round-Robin Reading
Music Connections throughout unit
Role Play / Improvisation
Character-to-Character Response
Letter
Poetry - “High Flight” by John Gillespie
Magee, Jr.
STAGE TWO: Assessment Evidence
Performance Tasks
· PPT on the use of a specific aircraft during its day and
its impact on history OR
· Scientific poster of a pilot OR
Other Evidence
Formative assessment for all UG
Daily Journal entry
PHYSICS: Homework assignments-
· Book report on Amelia Earhart OR
· Build a model airplane and label parts
· Lab experiments to demonstrate: pressure, lift, drag,
thrust, gravity, yaw, pitch, roll.
· Written Labs to be guided inquiry
· Guided inquiry with written labs, posters, reading from
textbook.
· Math problems to solve
· Whitebox Learning simulation
· Guided inquiry with worksheet.
· Whitebox Learning simulation
· Create a glider that can compete in a school wide
contest
· Complete White Box Learning project
· Complete the embedded quizzes
· Review and revise incorrect responses
ENGINEERING
· Design a glider
· How to draw and interpret dimensioned drawings
· Guided practice problems
· Solving for variables using algebraic formulas
· Collecting data
· Graphing data
· Reading and analyzing graph
· One variable can change the ability to fly
· Calculate the initial velocity for a glider using the
vertical motion formula
· Whitebox learning simulation and handouts
ENGLISH:
· Into task – Today/Real World Connections – Combined
class – CIAO
· English Text reading/annotation – “The Rocket Man” by
Ray Bradbury
· Annotation - Guided Annotation and Reader Response
–
· Dialectical Journal – Close reading skills – Analysis of
specific text pieces
· Journal Writing – Reflective Response
· Character response writing
· Socratic Seminar / Improv Role Play
· Think/Pair/Share
· Thumbs Up/Down
· Lightning Round
· Round Robin Read
Summative Assessment options:
· Character-to-Character Response Letters
· Write a letter or resume convincing a ruling authority or
employer of one’s ability to take on an explorer role.
Stage 3:
Learning
Plan
vocabulary, background information,
basic concepts, physics formulas
ENGINEERING: goal, accomplishments,
ideas learned, problems to solve,
contribution to team, drawings of
design, solutions.
Complete quizzes in White Box curriculum.
(Math & Physics)
Take-off and landing with Flight Simulator
Demonstrate with model the four forces of
flight
Demonstrate yaw, pitch, and roll.
Quiz to cover Physics & Math Standards
Hands on assessment with end product of a
glider that will fly both virtually and real
time.
MATH Formative quiz on calculating mass,
weight, and lift efficiency
Day1-5 “Knowledge at Work” handouts
Math & Physic lab sheet
Summative assessment
1. calculate the velocity of the glider
2. calculate the initial velocity of the glider
3. calculate the acceleration
4. calculate mass & weight of the glider
wing
5. calculate the LER (Lift efficiency ratio)
6. calculate the Momentum
7. calculate the Force
8. calculate the Measures of Tendency
9. calculate the Potential & Kinetic Energy
Learning Journey - Math/Science
●
Begin unit with PowerPoint showing Essential Questions and the outline for the 20 day course. Goal is to
research, draw and create the criteria for glider using CAD and computer program. Then test the glider
with a virtual airshow. After analysis, actually construct glider. Final activity is a glider competition with
the class.
Present Daily Journal expectations
Each day will include a hands on activity, review of Journal, Whitebox Learning curriculum and other
projects due at end of unit.
● Instructional strategies include: lecture, graphic organizers, guided practice, problem-based learning,
inquiry approaches, collaborative work and hands on activities.
● Math & Physics Activity sheet (Summative Assessment)
● Final activity is the glider competition with certificates and photos.
● Engineering Report - a summary of the research, principles of flight, design and construction of glider.
Includes all written work in Appendix.
Learning Journey - English - See Day-by-Day Lesson Plan
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Introduce the unit theme - The Explorer’s Journey - Combined classes with History
○ Connect with modern day explorers through video, individual and small group responses,
journaling, CIAO - Commitment, Inspiration, Action, Outcome
English - Introduce literature - “The Rocket Man” by Ray Bradbury.
Follow outlined unit plan for each day’s activities.
Resources:
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White Box Learning curriculum
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Physical Science Textbook
Algebra 1 Textbook
Teacher lectures
Class discussions
On-line resources - YouTube, Author Bio, Research Sources
Pilot visit to classroom
Boeing posters
Flight simulator
* The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury