The Museum in a Box program brings the physical sciences of flight to students in grades K-12. Great for educators at museums, science centers and schools. Museum in a Box provides exciting lands-on/minds-on lesson with an aeronautics theme to inspire future scientists, mathematicians and engineers. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en Mon, 14 May 2012 13:13:14 EST Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:13:14 EST FeedForAll Mac v2.0 (2.0.0.4); http://www.FeedForAll.com/ Understand how NASA uses an aircraft to create a microgravity environment to train astronauts and test equipment before it is flown in space. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 10 Apr 2013 3:40:22 EST In this activity, the teacher guides the students in demonstrations of condensation and air flow to simulate different weather conditions. This activity will lead to a discussion of open cockpits as gliders evolved into lightweight engine-driven airplane designs. The activity culminates in opportunities to use the weather-conscious clothing typical of early aviators as the students pretend to be pilots. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:15:47 EST This first part of this activity is intended to challenge students to work together as a team to develop the best possible paper glider model to compete against other teams. The students’ options can come from a series of different designs or they may design their own. After competition, they will use their math and geometry skills to determine the surface area of both wings. In the second part of the activity, students will be instructed on the use of NASA’s FoilSim II software to determine how changes in the chord and span may provide more lift for the same amount of wing area. One last competition will determine which team has the biggest percentage of increase in lift per constant wing area. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:43:41 EST Through observation, the children will identify common occurrences and make inferences about air and how it moves. They will “see” wind as it works, identifying its direction of travel and its strength by observing its effects on a windsock. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Mon, 4 Mar 2013 9:43:41 EST This lesson will be used to teach students, through hands-on activities, the different parts of an airplane and the major function of each of those parts. Students will also see how these parts have advanced over the years since the first airplane and how these parts change based on the airplane’s intended function. Activities will include completing worksheets, comparing photographs and/or models and building several 3-D puzzles. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Fri, 4 Jan 2013 10:40:19 EST Students will follow directions to create their own kites and understand the power of wind as it applies to the activity of flying a kite. They will view wind as a force that is capable of doing work, whether it be for fun or to perform a job. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Fri, 4 Jan 2013 11:20:28 EST "Do You Really Need Pressure Suits?" is a set of activities that tie temperature, pressure, and density to human survival at high altitudes. Four lessons, each made of several activities, can be taught alone or as a unit, since temp., pressure, and density are interrelated. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:39:17 EST In this lesson, participants will learn about motions and forces and the interactions of energy and matter as they use the principle of resonance to set up an experiment in the classroom to measure the speed of sound in air. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:41:20 EST The purpose of this activity is to introduce the control surfaces of an airplane. This will be done by each student working with a basic glider. The three axes around which an airplane moves will be presented. Further, the airplane maneuver around each of these axes will be addressed. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:09:17 EST Three activities/demonstrations that will help participants understand underlying concepts about sound. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:43:43 EST This lesson includes one activity and two demonstrations, using commonly available items to demonstrate the Bernoulli principle. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 21 Jun 2012 16:57:48 EST In this activity, students will be presented with a scenario of an aircraft carrier receiving a distress call from a downed pilot on a nearby mountain island. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Tue, 5 Jun 2012 13:36:42 EST This activity will use commonly available items to demonstrate the Bernoulli principle. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Tue, 5 Jun 2012 13:27:08 EST Supplemental lessons for the Space Shuttle Tires, grades K-12. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 30 May 2012 11:50:24 EST Supplemental lessons for the Space Shuttle Tiles, grades 9-12. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 30 May 2012 11:47:12 EST This lesson will be used to teach students, through hands-on activities, the different parts of an airplane and the major function of each of those parts. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:15:00 EST This lesson will be used to teach, through hands-on activities, the different parts of an airplane and the major function of each of those parts. Students will also see how these parts have advanced over the years since the first airplane and how these parts change based on the airplane’s intended function. Activities will include completing worksheets, comparing photographs and/or models and building several 3-D puzzles. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:16:00 EST The purpose of this activity is to explore the control surfaces of an airplane. This will be accomplished with a NASA Boeing 757 paper glider plane for each participating student. The three axes around which an airplane moves will be demonstrated. Further, the airplane maneuver around each of these axes will be addressed, as well as the control surface that makes the plane move in that particular direction. This is a vivid demonstration of Newton’s third law of physics. Students will also identify the part of the cockpit that moves each of the control surfaces. If available, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 or Flight Simulator X computer programs are also very visual and effective ways of demonstrating the control surfaces and the effect of moving each of the control surfaces during flight. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:16:38 EST Students will be exposed to the four forces of flight and experience the relationship between them by reviewing an internet site, participating in a board game and completing a word search. Activity 1 consists of going to an internet site that has a presentation of the four forces of flight. It is a series of slides similar to a PowerPoint presentation. The illustrations are simple and there are a few questions dispersed throughout. They may be good discussion points. Activity 2 will consist of a board game in which students role a cube with the four forces on all sides. Based on the force, they will move their playing piece a certain number of spaces. The goal is to the first to get from one airport to the other before anyone else. Activity 3 will be a word search of aeronautical terms. A word bank is provided. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:17:17 EST This activity is intended to be presented to a general audience at science centers and museums. Participants will be perform some activities illustrating Bernoulli’s Effect. They will also be able to wear giant foam wings and utilize a simulated wind tunnel to feel the potential of lift. The instructor will deliver information on airfoil design, lift, and Bernoulli’s Effect, initiated by a prompting question(s) expressed to the participant. Participants at and above the 5th grade level can engage in a brief description of the area rule and laminar flow. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:17:51 EST The noise generator for this activity is called a “Piezo Popper”. A piezoelectric crystal has a unique property such that when deformed a high voltage and subsequent electrical spark is produced which can be used for ignition. The fuel used is ethanol, which is placed inside a film canister. The noise produced upon ignition of the ethanol is quite loud – loud enough that ear protection is recommended for the primary user and anyone standing close by. Participants are challenged to design, test, and evaluate a sound suppression system for the sound generator. A Digital Display Sound Level meter is used to record intensity levels. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:18:29 EST Participants will produce two important atmospheric gases: oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is made through a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and yeast. A glowing splint is used in the classic test for pure oxygen. Carbon dioxide is generated using baking soda and vinegar. A lighted splint is used to test for the CO2. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:18:29 EST An artificial cloud is produced inside a 500 ml flask by using water vapor, smoke as the condensing nucleus, and changes in pressure. The cloud production is similar to how contrails form behind a jet engine. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 16 May 2012 13:19:54 EST Students will create an Aeronautics Museum Gallery in order to develop their knowledge of the science of aeronautics. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:36:08 EST Students will learn about properties of objects and materials, and position of motion and objects through song, simple choreography, and classroom activities about the main parts of an airplane. Students will also learn the function of these parts as they relate to flight. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:01:11 EST Toy models of planes and/or pictures will be used to show similarities and differences in wing design of birds and planes. The instructor is encouraged to have participants sort and classify the similar wing designs while explaining the purpose of the different designs. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:56:05 EST AeroLab is a hands-on inquiry-based workshop in conceptual physics and physical science. Flight is always a topic of intense curiosity, offering opportunities for great student interest. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:59:48 EST Build a model Fuel Cell car that runs on water! Fuel cells have been used in the space program since the early Gemini program. They are now finding their way into many Earth-based applications. This activity will engage you in a series of experiments that will lead to a better understanding of this amazing technology. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:15 EST This activity will build a solar powered car that runs on sunlight. This activity is based on a science kit called the by Thames and Kosmos Fuel Cell Car and Experiment Kit (Fuel cells are covered in another Museum in a Box module.) A series of experiments introduce visitors and students to solar energy and solar cell technology. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:58:23 EST Sound takes on a new perspective when vibrations become visible using laser light waves. Vibrations originate within a visitor’s larynx as their vocal cords begin to vibrate. Shortly after the sound wave leaves their mouth, it contacts a polymer membrane (balloon or clear plastic food wrap) and causes it to vibrate. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:57:42 EST On occasion groups of students visit a museum and don’t know what to do. They have never had experience or training on how to interpret an exhibit or an artifact. The following is an example of how you might assist individuals to hone their skills in interpreting an exhibit or artifact by asking the what, where, when, who, and why related to the exhibit or artifact. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:52:08 EST Students will compare several different types of tires to see if they can determine why each is constructed the way they are. This is an observe-and-infer type of activity with room for lots of discussion. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:53:15 EST Students examine several samples of carbon fiber materials. They measure at least one sample and determine the volume. The sample’s mass is determined and the density is calculated. The same procedure is followed for a spruce sample. Students are shown the sample of Nitinol that is in the shape of the word “ICE”. Nitinol is an alloy of nickel and titanium that has a very unusual property. The sample is then deformed by gently stretching it so that the word “ICE” is no longer discernable. The sample is then immersed into warm water and the original shape returns. Six cubes of different metals are compared for their density. Each cube is weighed and the volume is determined by measuring the dimensions. The density of each cube is calculated and compared. Aluminum, a common metal used in aircraft construction, is one of the samples. An object will float if the volume of fluid displaced is heavier than the object. In the "Density Paradox" activity, the weight of the displaced fluid is close to the weight of the object. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:55:16 EST The information presented in ‘Rockets Away!’ is intended for both middle school (grades 5-8) and high school (grades 9-12). However, modifications may be made for its use at the elementary (grades k-4) level. The ‘Rockets Away!’ lesson will be divided into two sections. In the first segment, a brief history of rockets and rocketry will be explored. In the second segement, students will explore the concepts of rocketry through both an experiment using alka-seltzer tablets and water and by actually launching rockets. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:55:58 EST Students will first explore the necessary component that must be present in order to operate a wind turbine, the wind. Using a simple see-through plastic container, the instructor will use food coloring and water to demonstrate the effect of heat (sunshine) on the atmosphere. The wind cycle will become visually evident as students watch in slow motion, the cold “air” moving in to replace rising warm “air”. Understanding how wind is created will help students identify where wind turbines can best be utilized to produce consistent power. An introduction to the basic parts of a wind turbine and how they work together to produce electrical power will be viewed via Power Point presentation. This will familiarize participants with the technology and give them the basic tools to begin formulating plans to build their own, using a variety of materials made available by the instructor such as 2 liter plastic beverage bottles, poster board, balsa wood, coffee cans, milk jugs, etc. Electrical wires and gears will be provided as well as a voltmeter or multimeter to measure power output. Students will not only be challenged to create an operational wind turbine, but also to design efficient turbine blades to produce the most electrical power possible. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:56:30 EST This lesson is designed to define specific aviation careers, allowing students to broaden their career options. After studying this overview of aviation careers, the student will select a career and fill out worksheets detailing their research. These worksheets can be used to develop an oral presentation on their career choice. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:57:05 EST The focus of these activities is on learning basic meteorological concepts about weather elements. They are designed to demonstrate understanding of the general characteristics of the atmosphere and how weather conditions and weather phenomena occur. Weather to Fly By activities are written to assist educators in instilling excitement in learning about meteorology by permitting the learner to take increasing responsibility for his/her learning. The learner is encouraged to build and/or test a variety of weather instruments to better understand the basic factors involved in weather phenomena. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:57:43 EST Through demonstration and math activities, students will learn about tire technology and air pressure concepts. A space shuttle tire section as well as sections from a light truck tire and bicycle are provided for students to compare and contrast tire facts while learning about tires. Math activities are also provided for the students to learn more about air pressure, circumference, revolutions and contact patch. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 4 May 2011 12:58:43 EST In this activity, students will calculate the number of tiles and weight to cover an area of the shuttle (15 feet by 22 feet) based on the shuttle tile included in the MIB. The students then determine the launch costs for the weight of the tiles determined. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 4 May 2011 13:00:23 EST This activity is divided into 2 parts—Task 1 Shuttle Tile Density and Task 2 Thermal Properties. During the first task the students will determine the density of the shuttle tile included in the MIB. The students will then do Task 2 to demonstrate the thermal properties of a shuttle tile. Use the background material as a lead into the activity. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 4 May 2011 13:05:34 EST In this activity, students observe the properties of a space shuttle tile and consider how these properties relate to the threats imposed on the shuttle by space debris. The students will use a tissue paper covered box to represent the tile as they experiment to determine the amount of energy required to penetrate the tissue paper. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 4 May 2011 13:07:12 EST As lessons become available online the RSS feed will be updated letting you know of it's availability. http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov/mib.htm Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:24:16 EST