Principles of Flight Program

Grade 5 - 6

At the end of this session, students will understand the four forces of flight.  We will also discuss the changes in aircraft from World War I to World War II and the life of Billy Bishop.  Students end the program flying a variety of foam and paper airplanes.  Fall or May and June work best because of the outdoor component.

Grade Level:                                  Grade Five (5) and Grade Six (6)

Subject:                                           Science and Technology (5) (6)

Curriculum Strand:                Understanding Structures and Mechanisms (5)

                                                            Understanding Matter and Energy (6)

Curriculum Topic:                  

• Forces Acting On Structures and Mechanisms (5)
• Flight (6)

Specific Expectations:          

Grade 5           Forces Acting On Structures and Mechanisms

• Identify external forces acting on a structure, and describe their effects on the structure, using diagrams
• Describe forces resulting from natural phenomena that can have severe consequences for structures in the environment, and identify structural features that help overcome some of these forces. 

Grade 6           Flight

• Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary, including aerodynamics, compress, flight, glide, propel, drag, thrust, and lift, in oral and written communication.
• Identify the properties of air that make flight possible. Lift is made possible by the fact that slow moving air exerts more pressure.
• Identify and describe the four forces of flight – lift, weight, drag, and thrust
• Describe, in qualitative terms, the relationships between the forces of lift, weight, thrust, and drag that are required for flight.
• Describe ways in which flying devices or living things use unbalanced forces to control their flight.
• Describe ways in which the four forces of flight can be altered.

Duration:          1 -1½ hour

A visit to the Billy Bishop Airport is an optional activity which may be incorporated into this field trip.

*** This program is also offered in the classroom - contact the Community & Education Coordinator for details. ***

Book early to get a spot! (Fall or May and June work best because of the outdoor component)