A model airplane such as a Squirrel offers endless opportunites for fun and education. Here are a few ideas for people of different ages.
Educational Road Map
| Concept Grade-> | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | geometry height | x | x | x | x |
| history | x | ||||||||||||
| velocity | x | ||||||||||||
| energy & power | x | x | |||||||||||
| aircraft stability | x | x |
| History of Aviation and Rubber-Power: Few people are aware that rubber-power aviation was a key motivator or the Wright Brothers. |
| Speed and Velocity Calculations: Here is a brief lesson on speed and velocity. |
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| Squirrel Height Estimation, A Lesson on Simple Geometry and Trigonometry: Here is a brief lesson on geometry and how to calculate the height of a Squirrel when it's flying. |
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| Energy and Power Calculations: Brief lessons on Energy and Power. |
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| Pitch and Roll: Here is information on Pitch and Roll for designers and educational purposes. |
| Coloring: Squirrel Coloring Page! |
Articles about Turbulence and Turbulators
Information on building traditional rubber powered model planes for beginners.
Squirrel Makes an Excellent School or Science Project
School teachers everywhere are promoting the Squirrel as a fun and educational project.
There are many areas of science and art that can be explored by buidling Squirrels.
Educational Concepts Relating to the Squirrel and Model Aviation
Here are some ideas of educational concepts that can be introduced.
History of Aviation
Theory and Formulae
Calculation of wing-loading
Fluid Dynamics
Structural Strengthening (I-beams, Laminating, Composites, etc.)
Accurate Testing (Where, when to measure from.)
Flight Parameters. (winding, wing angle, wing sweep, etc.)
Struts, Trusses and Gussets
Centre of Gravity , Decalage, Wing Incidence and Pitch Stability
Roll Stability, Dihedral, Polyhedral, Winglets
Yaw Stability
Explanation of lift, thrust and control
Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator, Flaps, Turbulators
Side Thrust, Down Trust
Airfoils, under camber, flat bottom
Friction and lubrication for rubber and propeller shaft
Density of various materials
Potential Energy (Stored energy)
Elasticity (K factor)
Torque and measurement
Stiffness of materials and measurement
Leverage and calculations
Gear ratios (applies to winders)
Build a precision scale for weighing 10ths or 100ths of a gram.
Team Work
Reflection of various elements of team work.
Discussion of problem solving methodologies.
Discussion of resolution of conflict in a team situation.
Discussion of leadership and teamwork.
What did you enjoy?
What part was the hardest?
What part was the easiest?
What would you do differently the next time? (Include a sketch)
Design
(Students are to divide into groups Optimal Number?)
Previously students were asked to form a corporation with a CEO, CFO, Construction Manager, etc. This worked really well on rare occasions. What do you think of the business-style set up is it worth the effort? Does is work in real-life? A lot of guidance is required as to the function of each position and as to the best ways to work in a group situation. Small projects to exemplify best practices in group-work would help.
The design should reflect the research.
Can the design be divided into parts for individual students?
Can the designs be done to scale? (e.g. 2-1)
Construction
The construction should reflect the design. Spot checks could be used for accuracy
Can the construction be divided into parts for individual students?
Neatness, Elegance, and Charisma are important.
Many students would have difficulty identifying and defining these three characteristics so a descriptive page should be included.
Assessment (remember safety concerns)
Assess Wing-load.
Testing of Design with reference to goals and one Variable.
Quantitative Assessment should involve using a Control.
Accurate and Neat Recording Techniques would be required.
Reflection of various elements of team work.
Discussion of problem solving methodologies.
Discussion of resolution of conflict in a team situation.
Discussion of leadership and teamwork.
Design Revision
Identification of Areas for Improvement Identification of parameter for modification.
Systematic Problem Solving (some introduction to problem-solving techniques would be valuable.)
Design Improvement.Should improvements be made to the original design drawings?
Evaluation and Assessment
Quantitative Assessment using Control
Percentage Improvement
Possible parent involvement
The improvements in the construction should reflect design changes.
Neatness and Elegance are valued
Charisma or Elegance can be measure using a voting system by teachers, students that are not involved in the workshop or by an unbiased parent/visitor team. This adds a degree of reward for certain types of creativity.
Competition
duration
distance
simultanious launch
height
