Engineering Design Challenges: |
More than one hundred years ago the Wright Brothers used a design process that is still integral to engineering design today. The Centennial of Flight Challenge focuses on the Wright Brother's design process and their development of the "Flyer". Students are challenged, like the Wright Brothers were, to design a propeller that generates the maximum possible thrust using a small motor and other inexpensive materials. In taking on this challenge students work in teams to design, build, and test small propellers (less than 8 inch diameter) using simple, easily manipulated materials such as heavy paper and small craft sticks. They bend and fold these materials, attach them to a simple test stand, and collect data on their ability to generate thrust. Relationships in forces and motion are explored and tied to history and mathematics. |