Key Stage 1: Flying Machines

The lesson plan outlines the historical development of flying machines, emphasizing significant inventions and milestones in aviation. It aims to educate children about the evolution of flight through a timeline activity and discussions about various flying technologies.

The lesson plan provides a comprehensive overview of the history of flying machines, starting from Leonardo da Vinci's designs in the 1480s, which included concepts like the Ariel Screw and gliders, though they were never built. It highlights key milestones such as the invention of the first hot air balloon by Joseph and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier in 1783, George Cayley's development of working gliders in the early 1800s, and Otto Lilienthal's flights in the 1890s, earning him the title 'The Flying Man.' The Wright brothers' achievement in 1903 of creating the first sustained powered flight is noted, followed by Igor Sikorsky's design of the first helicopter in 1939. The timeline also includes Yuri Gagarin's historic space flight in 1960 and Neil Armstrong's moon landing in 1969. The content encourages children to engage with the material by arranging timeline cards and discussing the technological advancements in flying machines over time.

This activity encourages children to explore the principles of gravity and air resistance by comparing parachutes made from different materials. The hands-on approach allows for predictions and observations, fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

In this educational activity, children will create parachutes using a plastic bag and a paper napkin to investigate how material affects parachute performance. They will measure and cut materials to ensure both parachutes are the same size, using a square shape of approximately 30cm. The strings used should be 1.5 times the width of the square, with eight pieces cut to the same length. Children will tie the strings to the corners of both parachutes and attach a toy of similar weight to each. Before dropping the parachutes, they will make predictions about how each will fall. Upon dropping, they will observe the descent, noting differences in speed and behaviour between the two parachutes. The activity emphasizes the concepts of gravity and air resistance, encouraging discussions about the results and potential variations in materials.

The lesson plan provides a hands-on educational activity that demonstrates the principles of air power using a balloon to propel a straw along a string. It encourages children to observe and understand the mechanics of force and motion through practical experimentation.

This activity involves using a balloon to demonstrate how trapped air can create movement. Parents are instructed to prepare materials such as balloons, string, scissors, and double-sided tape. The activity begins with blowing up a balloon and observing its flight when released. Children are guided to set up an investigation using a string stretched between two pieces of furniture. They will attach a straw to the string and a balloon to the straw using double-sided tape. Upon releasing the balloon, the air escaping will propel both the balloon and the straw along the string. Discussion points include the movement of the straw, the distance it travelled, and the mechanics behind the air force. This hands-on approach aims to engage children in scientific inquiry and observation.

The lesson plan emphasizes the educational value of hands-on activities in understanding aerodynamics through the historical context of the Wright brothers' achievements. It encourages children to engage in practical experiments to explore which paper aeroplane design is most effective in terms of distance flown.

This educational activity focuses on the lives and contributions of the Wright brothers, who invented the first powered aeroplane in 1903. Children will create three different paper aeroplane designs and investigate which one flies the furthest. The activity includes watching a video about the Wright brothers to provide historical context and inspiration. The Aeroplane Design Investigation Sheet guides children through the process of making the planes, recording predictions, results, and conclusions. To ensure a fair test, children will measure the distances flown using a tape measure and record their findings. The activity encourages discussions about the designs and results, fostering critical thinking and analysis. Children will compare the distances flown by each design and reflect on their preferences. This hands-on approach integrates various educational standards, including design, science, and mathematics.

This investigation encourages children to explore how different materials affect the flight distance of paper aeroplanes, fostering hands-on learning and critical thinking. The main thesis revolves around engaging children in a practical experiment that combines design, measurement, and analysis of results to draw conclusions about material properties.

The Aeroplane Materials Investigation is a hands-on educational activity designed for children to explore the impact of different materials on the flight distance of paper aeroplanes. Children will create three aeroplanes using newspaper, A4 paper, and A4 card, and will predict which will fly the furthest. The activity includes a structured investigation sheet for recording predictions, test results, and conclusions. Key steps involve discussing the characteristics of materials, making predictions, conducting fair tests, and measuring distances flown. Children will throw each aeroplane three times to gather data, ensuring accurate measurements by marking a throwing spot. After completing the tests, they will compare results and draw conclusions about which design performed best. This activity integrates design criteria, material selection, and data recording, promoting skills in science and mathematics.

The lesson plan provides a hands-on educational activity for children to create a model helicopter, emphasizing the principles of gravity and motion. It encourages parental involvement and discussion about the differences between helicopters and aeroplanes, as well as the practical uses of helicopters.

This educational activity guides children in constructing a model helicopter while exploring fundamental concepts of physics, particularly gravity and motion. The process begins with a discussion about the differences between helicopters and aeroplanes, highlighting that helicopters have propellers and do not require runways for take-off and landing. The activity includes a Helicopter Model Instruction Sheet, which provides visual instructions for children to follow. Parents are encouraged to participate by making their own helicopter model alongside their child. Once the model is completed, children are invited to observe the helicopter's spinning motion as it falls from a height. The activity also includes variations, such as dropping the helicopter with and without paperclips to demonstrate how added weight affects the speed of descent. Through this hands-on experience, children learn that gravity pulls the helicopter down while air resistance causes it to spin, creating lift. The discussion encourages children to articulate their observations and understand the mechanics behind the helicopter's movement.

This activity encourages children to explore their creativity by designing their own flying machines, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's innovative spirit. The focus is on imaginative design rather than functional flight, allowing for a fun and educational experience in engineering and art.

The activity engages children in the creative process of designing their own flying machines, drawing inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's inventions during the Renaissance. It emphasizes the importance of imagination and creativity in engineering, allowing children to use various materials such as paper, craft sticks, and recycled items to create models. The activity includes a video showcasing Da Vinci's inventions, particularly his flying machines, to inspire children's designs. Children are encouraged to discuss Da Vinci's methods of invention and compare his creations with modern flying devices like planes and helicopters. The Flying Machine Design Activity Sheet guides children through the design process, prompting them to consider materials, tools, and shapes for their models. The focus is on fun and exploration, with no wrong way to design a flying machine. Children are also encouraged to evaluate their models by answering questions about their design choices and the characteristics of their inventions.