This 129-page educator guide from NASA is an excellent start for those interested in flight.
The guide takes you through the subjects of air, flight, and flying. It really is written to the educator:
The student pages are as simple as a graphic of the activity, and as advanced as a work sheet. They are meant to supplement the educator’s presentation, serve as reminders, and inspire students to explore their own creativity.
With this in mind, the guide begins with a 4-page background to bring the educator up to speed. Then follow three lessons with several activities each to demonstrate concepts. At the end of each lesson you will find many interdisciplinary activities to extend the lesson.
Through the 13 activities, students practice the skills of:
- Problem solving.
- Making connections.
- Estimating.
- Predicting.
- Verifying results.
- And much more.
Many of the activities involve making things: windsock, glider, or compass.
They are also very hands-on.
The guide includes black-and-white illustrations that can be use in creating an aeronautics notebook. A notebook can also include experiment results.
Finally, a glossary and reading list round things out.
This is an incredible guide for the DIY homeschool mom! And it is in the public domain…free!
Free Resource
- Aeronautics Educator Guide @ NASA.gov
Additional Resources
10 Ways to Use Notebooking: #7 Science
Tips for recording things and creating an aeronautics notebook.
Model Flying Machines ~ Free eBook
Another hands-on guide to keep young investigators busy!
Keep Reading
Summer Fun Activity: Exploring the Extreme ~ Free NASA Educator’s Guide
NASA Educator’s Guide covering gravity, jet propulsion, and more!
Flight Adventures Unit Study {Free}
Flight Adventures is a free 68-page unit study download aimed at elementary students. Great resource!
First Flight: The Wright Brothers ~ Free eBook
First Flight is a beautifully illustrated telling of the story of the Wright brothers and their invention of the first heavier-than-air machine.