Education
Forces: WIND TUNNEL
What happens?
Pupils have the opportunity to experience the effect of flight by attaching different foam shapes to their arms and holding them in wind tunnel air stream. They will feel different forces on their arms as the air passes over the outline of the different wing shapes.
How does it work?
The different wing shapes cause different effects in the wind tunnel. An aerofoil (the shape of an aircraft wing) is shaped so that air flows faster along the top of it than the bottom. This produces uplift because of the different pressures produced above and below the shape. The greater pressure is below the shape. It is this difference that provides the lift. The more aerodynamic a shape is, the easier it is for air to flow around it, so the amount of resistance or drag produced is smaller.
Why is it important?
Local industries such as Bombardier Aerospace use wind tunnels to prototype aerofoils.
How does it relate to the primary curriculum?
- Science: Provides pupils with the opportunity to carry out investigations; allows pupils to investigate how forces can affect the movement of objects.
- English: Encourages discussion.
- Mathematics: Promotes the use of mathematical language associated with shape and space, position and movement.
How does it relate to the post-primary curriculum?
- Science: Provides pupils with an opportunity to investigate forces; to learn that the movement of an object depends on the size and direction of the forces exerted on it; to understand that the change in movement and direction results from unbalanced forces; to investigate the effect of friction on moving objects e.g. the effect of air resistance on a descending parachute.
- Mathematics: Provides an opportunity to explore shape.
What thinking skills are involved?
Making predictions; Drawing conclusions; Relating causes and effects; Testing solutions; Making observations; Modelling.
What learning styles are involved?
Logical; Spatial; Physical/kinaesthetic.
Where can you find out more?
The Smithsonian book of Flight For Young People, Boyne W.J, ISBN 0 6893 1422
Flying Machine, Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guides, ISBN 08631 84138
Force and Motion, Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guides, ISBN 07513 6133X