Wright
Brothers' Invention Process
|
(1903 - 1920's)
- Developed Propulsion Systems
The Wright Brothers were the first to fly a
self-propelled,
heavier than air machine. This required the development of two other
pieces of technology; a light weight
motor
and the propellers
to push the aircraft through the air.
The brothers based their engine
design on an early internal combustion
engine
for an automobile.
The thin, high speed propellers which they designed were based on
wind tunnel
tests and were unlike any other propellers being used at that time.
While the design of the airframe of the Wright aircraft remained
nearly the same for years, the brothers continually improved and
upgraded their engine design. Between 1903 and 1913 the engine power
increased from 12 horsepower to nearly 75 horsepower.
Today, NASA continues to perfect aircraft engines
and develop new methods for aircraft propulsion at the Glenn Research
Center.
| Legend
of Related Programs:: |
W |
Website |
| L |
Lesson
Plans/Materials |
| A |
Activity |
| V |
Webcasts/Video |
| C |
CD-ROM |
| S |
Simulation |
| Program |
Description |
Grade |
W |
L |
A |
V |
C |
S |
| Aeronautics
Kidspage |
This
website is designed to help children learn about aeronautics,
with an emphasis on aircraft engines. Lesson plans on
the history, dynamics, and propulsion of airplanes are
provided. |
K- 6 |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
| Beginners
Guide to Propulsion |
This
interactive website serves as a guide to how jet engines
work. Activities, data, and engine simulations are available
for teachers and students. |
K-16 |
x |
|
x |
|
|
x |
| Central
Operations of Resources for Education (CORE) |
CORE
is the world-wide distribution center of NASA-produced,
educational, multimedia materials. The public has access
to over 200 videocassettes, slides, and CD-ROMs chronicling
NASA's state-of-the-art research and technology. |
K-16 |
x |
x |
|
|
|
|
| EngineSim |
Students
can manipulate variables to design and test engines to
see what is most efficient. This software fosters hands
on inquiry-based learning in science and math by simulating
jet engine tests and the effects that engines have on
the speed and range of aircraft. |
9-12 |
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
| Mobile
Aeronautics Education Laboratory (MAEL) |
The
mobile state-of-the-art Aeronautics Education Laboratory
brings new technologies to partnership cities to excite
students about science and math. Visitors can experience
10 hands-on workstations that model real world aviation
chK-16enges like weather forecasting, flight design, airfoil
design, and flight controls. |
K-12 |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
| NASA
Connect |
NASA
Connect is an award winning series of instructional television
programs that are proven to capture the imagination of
elementary and middle school students. This program establishes
connections between NASA research and math, science, aeronautics,
and technology content taught in the classroom. |
5-8 |
x |
|
x |
x |
|
|
| NASA
Explores |
This
website features weekly educational activities and updates
on cutting edge research and development for elementary,
middle, and high school students. Each week two new articles
on aeronautics technology with lesson plans and adapted
activities are featured. |
K-12 |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
| NASA
Quest |
Meet
the people of NASA and look over their shoulder as they
make NASA goals a reality. This website brings NASA personel
and scientists into the classroom via the internet. |
K-12 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
| Spacelink |
This
website contains a search tool to discover a wealth of
NASA programs, research opportunities and educational
materials. |
K-12 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
| The
NASA Science Files |
The
Science Files are an educational television program designed
to enhance and enrich the teaching of math and science
in '3-5. This program deals with numerous topics related
to aviation, aerospace, science, technology, and math.
|
3-5 |
x |
|
x |
x |
|
|
| The
Wright Brothers Posters |
This
pair of posters includes "The Process of Invention" and
"Innovation Through Flight". Both posters showcase the
vital role that engineering has played in human progress.
|
K-12 |
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
| The
Wright Way |
Learn
about the development of the first manned, powered flight
from its conception through research and experimentation,
to success and beyond. This website features facts, lesson
plans, simulations, activities, and contains information
on how to participate in the Centennial of Flight Celebration.
|
K-12 |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
|
Related Research Programs
| High
Speed Research Program |
NASA is developing
the passenger jet of the future. A next-generation supersonic
jet that could fly 300 passengers more then 1500 mph (twice
the speed of sound). This plane could cross the Atlantic
or Pacific in less then half the time of today's commercial
flights. |
| Helios
Prototype |
On August 13, 2001
the Helios prototype set a world-record by achieving sustained
flight at more then 96,000 feet. The Helios is an unmanned
solar powered aircraft, with a gigantic wingspan of 247
feet. The Helios prototype has two program goals; to reach
an altitude of 100,000 feet with a small payload, and
to achieve a sustained flight with a duration of at least
96 hours. |
| Air-breathing
Rocket Propulsion |
NASA is using new propulsion
technology to develop rockets that weigh much less at
take-off then conventional rockets which are weighed down
by large supplies of fuel and oxygen. Air-breathing rocket
propulsion inhales oxygen during flight so that oxygen
does not have to be stored on board. The air-breathing
rocket is going to be completely reusable, and able to
take off and land at airport runways because of the drastically
reduced weight. |
| Magnetic
Levitation |
The Mag-Lev uses a
magnetic track to lift a vehicle, and then move it forward
very quickly. This technology will be used to make rocket
take-offs more efficient by giving them a running start.
|
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