Overview

There are many right ways to teach physics. Teaching by inquiry in context is perhaps the most effective way to effectively teach physics so that it becomes both relevant and practical. This educators’ guide addresses a growing need for higher-level inquiry in the physics classroom, provides a solid content base, and actively engages with topics necessary to the development of 21^st century skills. Context is provided from student experiences with flight as well as ongoing aeronautics research.

This document is the result of a Space Act Agreement between NASA and the American Association of Physics Teachers. This project is founded on teaching ideas presented by seasoned high school and college physics teachers and articles that have appeared in the American Association of Physics Teachers’ (AAPT) publication, The Physics Teacher. As such, all of these ideas are appropriate for high school or introductory university level physics courses, and have been reviewed by acting high school and college/university AAPT members. Although it is not necessary for lesson and lab implementation to read the published articles associated with the activities in this document, all of the articles are freely available to AAPT members through the AAPT Publications website and directly from each link at the top of each activity.

In addition, practical relevance is interwoven through the guide with applications from current, cutting-edge aeronautics research being undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (NASA ARMD). Each of the activities in this document is aligned with at least one of NASA Aeronautics’ research themes, including green aviation, reducing flight delays, revisiting supersonic flight, and designing future aircraft. Inquiry lessons presented in this document help students develop concepts, derive fundamental equations, practice reading and data analysis skills, and relate their laboratory work to real-world applications in NASA Aeronautics research.

While this document presents itself as an educator’s activity guide filled with resources for demonstrations, lessons, and labs, instructional approach is also very important. Many of these activities are structured as paradigm labs that could easily serve as a curricular supplement to the Modeling Method of Instruction approach. Many of these activities can also be easily applied or adapted to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Reading and Writing in Technical Subjects. Each activity includes objectives and/or guiding questions related to the physics of flight, followed by a very detailed listing of the NGSS and CCSS addressed by students who successfully complete each activity.

NASA Aeronautics works to solve the many challenges that still exist in our nation’s air transportation system: air traffic congestion, safety, efficiency, and environmental impacts. Thanks to advancements in aeronautics developed by NASA, today’s aviation industry is better equipped than ever to safely and efficiently transport passengers and cargo to their destinations. In fact, every U.S. aircraft flying today and every U.S. air traffic control tower uses NASA-developed technology in some way.

Streamlined aircraft bodies, quieter jet engines, techniques for preventing icing, drag-reducing winglets, lightweight composite structures, software tools to improve the flow of tens of thousands of aircraft through the sky, and so much more are an everyday part of flying thanks to NASA research that traces its origins back to the earliest days of aviation.

We are committed to transforming aviation by dramatically reducing its environmental impact, improving efficiency while maintaining safety in more crowded skies, and paving the way to revolutionary aircraft shapes and propulsion.

Inside cockpits, cabins and jet engines; atop traffic control towers; and from departure gate to arrival terminal at airports everywhere, the DNA of the entire aviation industry is infused with technology that has its roots in NASA research.

NASA is with you when you fly.

The American Association of Physics Teachers was established in 1930 with the fundamental goal of ensuring the “dissemination of knowledge of physics, particularly by way of teaching.” Today, that vision is supported by members around the world. The AAPT is a strong professional physics science society dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in physical science education.

National meetings are held each winter and summer, and are opportunities for members, colleagues, and future physicists from around the world to:

• Participate in physics workshops

• Meet and greet other physics educators

• Form networks nationally and locally

• Engage exhibitors and learn about the latest physics resources

• Discuss innovations in teaching methods

• Share the results of research about teaching and learning.

The AAPT also hosts or supports smaller workshops and conferences and symposia throughout the year to provide further opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing. The AAPT also supports physics teachers through peer-reviewed journals, teacher resources, competitions and contests, and awards and grants.