People like to keep records of important technological achievements and events in history. It’s a way of measuring how far they’ve come and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also reminds them that people can do amazing things when they put their minds to it. Flight is certainly one of humankind’s greatest achievements. Records were set and broken many times along the way.
As far as we know, the first person to design an airplane was the Italian artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci in 1485. Da Vinci was interested in mechanical things, and he was fascinated by how birds managed to move through the air. He studied their wings and applied his understanding to plans for mechanisms that might allow humans to fly.
Some people think that Wilbur and Orville Wright built the first airplane, but that’s not the case. Several others had the idea before them and managed to become airborne for varying lengths of time. How many other pioneers of flight are you familiar with? Have you heard of Amelia Earhart or George Cayley? Do you know which airplane holds the record for largest wingspan or fastest speed? When you go on this WebQuest, you’ll find out.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate milestones in the history of flight. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- What was George Cayley’s contribution to the history of aviation?
- What was Daniel Bernoulli’s contribution to flight?
- Although the Wright brothers did not build the first airplane, they were first to do something else. What was it?
- For which aviation achievements is Amelia Earhart recognized?
- Which passenger plane (airliner) is the world’s biggest? What is the maximum number of passengers it can carry?
- Which plane can carry the most weight? How much can it carry?
- Which plane holds the record for the largest wingspan?
- Which is the world’s fastest plane with an air-breathing engine? (The record was broken recently, so be sure you find the latest information.)
- For years the X-15 held the record for the plane that reached the highest altitude-67 miles. What type of engine did it have?
- Which plane won the X Prize and what was the purpose of the contest?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Using animation software, create an animation showing how the design of an airfoil creates lift based on Bernoulli’s principle. If animation software is not available, use ordinary drawings or models.
- Create a graph or other diagram showing differences in such things as size, speed, and altitude between ordinary aircraft and those that have broken records.
- Write an essay on the future of space tourism. How do you think it will be carried out? Do you think it will become popular? Why or why not?
- At one time planes were celebrated for breaking the sound barrier. Research and write a report on what the sound barrier is and what occurs when it is broken.
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