Benjamin A. Gorman
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I. Introduction:
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A. Objectives
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B. Teacher Notes
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II. Start Your Engines:
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A. Technology Affects Behavior
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B. Technology and Transportation
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III. Prepare for Take Off:
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A. The Wright Brothers
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B. “Watchers from the Shadows” fictional story
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C. The Science of Flight
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IV. Flight Check:
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A. The Pilot—Instruments, Air, Controls and Responsibilities
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B. “Flight 405”—fictional story
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C. Pilot Qualifications and Aviation careers
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V. Clear for Visual Approach:
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A. Post-Wright Aviation
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B. “The Travelers”—fictional story
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C. Safety
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VI. Student Activities
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VII. Bibliography
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The age old human wonder at birds soaring, flying free from the earth’s grasp . . . the dreams of how humans could imitate flight . . . the inventors’ imaginations that sketched fantastic flying machines . . . the experiments, the models, the balloons, the gliders—all were a prelude to December 17, 1903. The ability of flight, once reserved for the birds was then made possible for human experience by the brothers Wright. A new chapter in human progress was begun and this achievement would help shape the modern world. In a single life time, people were released from earth bound travel and were able to journey towards the stars.
A topic dealing with achievement of human flight would find a natural home in a science class. Yet there is a social studies ”apartment” in which the study of flight can dwell. The textbook,
The Western Hemisphere
by Drummond and Hughes provides information on the development of American resources, transportation and industry; it relates the major role that they play in helping shape our landscape and our society. This represents the possibility of expanding on the role of transport by closely examining flight—its history, its industry and its impact upon modern society. Thus the interesting opportunity exists whereby history and technology can be combined. Science could be understood within the context of history and present social concerns could be used to explore future technology.
Come Fly With Me
is an invitation to the realization that airflight has some a common element in American life. A study of air travel history and what makes air travel possible may help students expand their view of the world. Students may not become pilots, privately or professionally, but they need to be aware of the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a pilot’s license. The students should realize the changes brought by the airplane, issues concerning safe flying and the legacy left by the Wright brothers. As Melvin B. Zisfein remarks in his forward to
The Wright
Brothers
, “By their triumph, they changed both our world and us dramatically—and for all time.”
This unit is designed to be used with upper eighth grade social studies classes in conjunction with the textbook,
The Western Hemisphere
.
The unit’s objectives are:
1. to present an overview of the early history of flight and the Wright brother’s achievement.
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2. to become aware of aircraft instruments, atmospheric factors and pilot qualifications.
3. to identify post-Wright brother achievements in air travel and to investigate air travel safety.
The story of the Wright brothers is an exciting beginning because they were the first to make the dream of human flight with power of reality. Others, such as Lilienthal and Chanute, had flown gliders which in a sense went “down-hill”; they were not sufficiently light to “soar”. The Wright brothers achieved first: powered, sustained (landing above or at the starting altitude), and controlled flight which was especially unique with them. The brothers were brilliant flight researchers who put theory into experimentation and realized the first successful airplane.
Ever since, scientists, technicians and pilots have been improving, learning and training; the have been expanding the realm of flight for commercial, military and public interests. Science and its engineers have developed the technology, decade by decade, creating an industry in which the pilot has become an airship captain. As children of the air age, students must understand that aviation has changed the way that we live in our society. They must be aware of the social concerns that air transportation has raised for the environment. As well, they should learn of opportunities in aviation and be conscience of questions of personal safety in the air. Through this unit, students can become acquainted with the science of aerodynamics and technology making history.
