Upper Elementary Resources
Click on the links below for activities centered around aerospace for your PreKinder through 2nd graders:
RISE ABOVE
Build a Plane Powered by Stored Energy
Build a plane that is powered by stored energy from a rubber band, balloon or spring. The plane should be able to fly straight for 5 feet.
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Build a Lightweight Airplane Wing
Build a lightweight wing structure that is 12 inches long and can hold up a heavy load (weight) without deflecting.
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Engineering an Airfoil
Engineer a Communication Network
Plan and build a network to send communication signals in multiple directions to multiple people.
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Deploying a Satellite
Build a satellite with a 6-inch square body that can deploy its own solar wings and antennae, and can fit inside a 9-inch diameter tube.
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Engineering an Air-Powered Spinning Machine
Engineering a Self Deploying Device
Build a Rocket
Make a Water Transport Satellite
Make a satellite that can hold a cup of water and does not leak during a bumpy rocket launch.
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Design a Robotic Arm
Design a robotic arm that can move a marble, a straw, and a coin from the table into a cup without using your hands.
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Build a Helicopter
Build a helicopter that flies at least ten feet in the air and stays up for three seconds while carrying one penny.
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Build a Soundmaker
Hack Box
Building a Plane Painting Machine
Engineering an Automated Wrapping Machine
Build a machine that can make plane fuselage by wrapping a mold just like Boeing’s carbon fiber placement machines.
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Make a Hydraulic Machine
Engineering a Flow Control System
Build a system that controls the movement of material and shuts off automatically.
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Build a Long Spanning Wing
Build a wing that can support its own weight over a span of at least two feet. Inspired by Boeing’s Phantom Eye.
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Engineer a Fuel Level Detector
Design a Sampling Aircraft
Water Rockets
Water rockets are an excellent tool to learn about rockets, propulsion, and aerodynamics.
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Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology
Hoop Gliders
Design and Test a Parachute
Learn about air resistance while making an awesome parachute! Design one that can fall slowly to the ground before putting it to the test, making modifications as you go.
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Introduction to Flight
Give students an enjoyable introduction to the world of flight with some fun activities, interesting facts and cool demonstrations.
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Wind, Water and Wings
The Flight of Ameilia Earhart Unit
With an interactive timeline, a news writing activity, and historical context- discover the enduring legacy of an American hero.
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