Education
Feel The Lift
What happens?
Put your arm through the polystyrene wing shape, which can then be held in an airflow. You can feel a lift force on the shape depending on how air flows past it.
How does it work?
The relationship between the speed of a moving fluid and the pressure within it is described by the Bernoulli Principle: as the speed of flow of a fluid increases, the pressure exerted by that fluid decreases. In science, the word 'fluid' means 'something that flows' - including gases like air. Air flowing over a curved surface can travel faster than over a related flat surface, so the pressure is lower over curved surfaces than over flat surfaces. This exhibit enables you to feel the physical effect of the Bernoulli principle.
Why is it important?
The Bernoulli Principle, illustrated in this exhibit explains how aircraft can get enough vertically upward force (lift) to overcome their weight, and so leave the ground.
How does it relate to the primary curriculum?
- Curriculum objectives: Mutual understanding (if working in a pair or small group)
- Cross-curricular skills: Communication (if working in a pair or small group)
- Thinking skills and personal capabilities: Thinking, problem solving, decision making; Being creative; Working with others (if working in a pair or small group); Self-management
- Area of learning - The world around us: Pupils can explore: how they interact in the world; the causes and effects of movement, forces and energy
- Learning experiences: Investigating and problem solving; Active and hands on; Challenging and engaging
- Attitudes and dispositions: Curiosity
How does it relate to the post-primary curriculum?
- Science: Pupils should have opportunities to: explore forces and energy transfer; develop their manipulative skills; develop their skills of investigation and scientific enquiry
Thinking skills
Analysing elements of the situation; Perceiving and establishing relationships between consequences and their causes; Drawing conclusions, or relating conclusions and reasons
Learning styles
Visual; Kinaesthetic; Spatial
Where can you find out more?
www.grc.nasa.gov/www/K-12/airplane/forces.html (explanation of lift)