Remote control aircraft have been widely used today. A glider aircraft was designed to hold a camera that will scan for algae blooms over large bodies of water. The algae will then be taken care of to protect the water supply and ecosystem of that freshwater lake. For this to happen, the aircraft must be able to glide for long distances. This incorporates aspects of gliders such as large aspect ratio, lift, drag, and center of gravity which students will use when designing and integrating their wings for their mini gliders.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.
There is also a PowerPoint presentation available that was used in the original design challenge implementation.