Year 9 iSTEM

During term three, year nine iSTEM students have been studying aerodynamics. The unit started with a paper aeroplane challenge where students designed, created, tested and evaluated their designs. The students also learnt how to collect, record and analyse qualitative and quantitative data throughout the testing phase. 

This introductory paper aeroplane challenge prepared the year nine students for their group assessment task where they were they were presented with the following design situation and design brief:

Design Situation

Airbus is the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and is a worldwide leader in aeronautical design. They design, manufacture and deliver aerospace products, services and solutions to customers all over the world. Airbus runs competitions biannually to offer unique opportunities for aeronautical engineers in the public to tackle challenges and present their innovative solutions to the world.

Design Brief

You are a team of aeronautical engineers who are entering the ‘Lift Up Challenge’ by Airbus. You have been asked to develop a new and efficient wing design for their new commercial aircraft ‘Airbus SAC’. You will need to design, build and test two wing designs. Data must be recorded to evaluate the aerodynamics of your designs.

Students collaborated in groups of four and began developing and documenting their design ideas following the design process. Groups also used their knowledge and understanding of the four forces on an aeroplane and a range of aeronautical engineering concepts to help with the development of their aerodynamic designs. Bernoulli’s principle, venturi effect, Newton’s Third Law and angle of attack are just a few concepts that the students conducted research on and implemented into their designs. It was fantastic to hear the professional conversations between students in the classroom discussing how the principles were considered throughout the designing of their interchangeable wings, fuselage and stabilisers.