Thrust is the force acting forward on flying objects, causing it to move through the air. Without thrust, flying objects wouldn’t be able to take off or stay in the air. Thrust is needed to overcome the drag of a flying object. It must be equal to or greater than the force of drag for sustained flight. How do flying objects create thrust?
Students should have opportunities to explore where flying objects like birds, planes, rockets, and helicopters get their thrust as it is different for each one. They should explore the differences between these flying objects to determine why thrust is needed, how much is needed, how to get it, and how it is used to overcome drag.
Background information you should know: Where do flying objects get their thrust?
Helicopters: The propellers draw air in at one end and push it out at the other. This gives the machine the thrust it needs to become airborne.
Jet airplanes: Jet engines pull in the air and mix it with the fuel. The burning gas goes out through the back of the plane and this provides the thrust. The trail following a plane in the sky on a clear day is this combination of air and fuel.
Rockets: Rocket engines use a combustion reaction for propulsion upward. This is why you usually see a big explosion when rockets launch.
Birds: Birds have very strong breast muscles used to flap their wings. The flapping is what generates thrust. If a bird stops flapping its wings, it will only be able to glide for so long before coming down.
Here are some resources you and the student can explore to investigate thrust. They fit into the Nova Scotia Grade 6 Science Curriculum by exploring the outcome: Learners will evaluate factors that influence flight.
1) Activity: Marshmallow Launcher. This is an activity created by me to demonstrate the force of thrust.
Students should have opportunities to explore where flying objects like birds, planes, rockets, and helicopters get their thrust as it is different for each one. They should explore the differences between these flying objects to determine why thrust is needed, how much is needed, how to get it, and how it is used to overcome drag.
Background information you should know: Where do flying objects get their thrust?
Helicopters: The propellers draw air in at one end and push it out at the other. This gives the machine the thrust it needs to become airborne.
Jet airplanes: Jet engines pull in the air and mix it with the fuel. The burning gas goes out through the back of the plane and this provides the thrust. The trail following a plane in the sky on a clear day is this combination of air and fuel.
Rockets: Rocket engines use a combustion reaction for propulsion upward. This is why you usually see a big explosion when rockets launch.
Birds: Birds have very strong breast muscles used to flap their wings. The flapping is what generates thrust. If a bird stops flapping its wings, it will only be able to glide for so long before coming down.
Here are some resources you and the student can explore to investigate thrust. They fit into the Nova Scotia Grade 6 Science Curriculum by exploring the outcome: Learners will evaluate factors that influence flight.
1) Activity: Marshmallow Launcher. This is an activity created by me to demonstrate the force of thrust.
activity_-_marshmallow_launcher.docx | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
2)Video: How birds fly. This video demonstrates how a bird's wings create thrust and lift.
3) Ask an Explainer: How helicopters create thrust.
howthingsfly.si.edu/ask-an-explainer/how-does-helicopter-create-lift-without-moving-forward-fast-pace
4) Website: How things fly. A great interactive website where you can explore propellers, engines, rockets, and how flying objects use thrust to take off.
howthingsfly.si.edu/propulsion
howthingsfly.si.edu/ask-an-explainer/how-does-helicopter-create-lift-without-moving-forward-fast-pace
4) Website: How things fly. A great interactive website where you can explore propellers, engines, rockets, and how flying objects use thrust to take off.
howthingsfly.si.edu/propulsion
5) Activity: Foamie Flyer. This activity explores the principle of thrust and how the amount of thrust affects a flyer's height.
www.wai.org/sites/default/files/assets/EducationKit/1%20fourforces%20thrust.pdf
www.wai.org/sites/default/files/assets/EducationKit/1%20fourforces%20thrust.pdf