Math Concepts
1. Quieting the Skies NASA engineers and scientists are trying to design airplanes to run as quietly as cars. In this program, students will learn the basics: what sound is, what makes sound, how sound affects us and the environment, and how we measure sound. They will also learn some of the techniques being used by NASA to reduce aircraft noise. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in the creation, visualization, and measurement of sound 2. The Shapes of Flight Objects with varying shapes have different aerodynamic characteristics. In this program, the NASA guest researcher will introduce students to the wind tunnel and the computer, two of the tools used by aeronautical engineers to measure the fundamental design characteristics of experimental and production aircraft. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in observation and in measuring, organizing, comparing, and interpreting data. 3. Plane Weather Weather affects our daily lives.The elements of weather: rain, wind, fog, ice and snow affect the operation and flight of an airplane. In this program, NASA and FAA researchers will introduce students to math, science, and weather, demonstrate how these elements influence flight, and show how NASA and FAA research is used to limit the effects of these elements on flight. Students will examine: the tools, techniques, and technologies used by engineers and scientists to detect these and other climatological factors affecting aircraft in flight. The lesson and classroom experiment will involve students in the scientific process and emphasizing problem solving, measurement, and reasoning skills.