Last updated: October 2, 2020
Lesson Plan
Distance, Speed, and Time of the First Flight
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Math
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- State Standards:
- NC.8.EE.7 Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving equations in one variable.
- Thinking Skills:
- Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
How did the Wright brothers know they had successfully achieved the first flight?
Objective
The student will be able to:
a) solve the literal equation “Distance/Rate/Speed Formula” d=r * t for r (rate)
b) find the rates of the first 5 attempts at flight on December 14 and 17 of 1903
c) determine why the second test, piloted by Orville, was considered the “first flight”
Background
Wilbur manned the first powered test flight on December 14, 1903 achieving 112 feet in 4 seconds before crashing. The brothers attempted three more times on December 17, 1903 ( 120 feet/12 seconds, 175 feet/13 seconds, 200 feet/15 seconds respectively) before claiming success on the fourth attempt of that day which lasted 59 seconds and flew 852 feet. Wilbur was the pilot. The brothers did not use the dune to assist in their trials as gravity would have played a role negating the first man powered flight.
Preparation
Teach the Distance/Rate/Speed Formula d = r * t
Solve the equations for r (rate) utilizing pre-taught literal equations skills/concepts
Materials
To complete this lesson plan students will need: Stop Watches and Measuring Tapes. Download the full lesson plan with lesson materials by clicking the lesson materials link below.
Lesson Hook/Preview
The Wright brothers’ realization of humanity’s age-old dream of powered, controlled, heavier-than-air flight at this site permanently transformed our perception of space and time, and changed the world forever.
Procedure
1. With a partner, run the distance of the 5 first attempts at flight using the markers at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. For the first flight on December 14, 1903, measure the distance in relation to the first stone marker since there is no marker provided for that date.
2. Record results on table provided
3. Calculate your rates of speed for each of your trials
4. Calculate the rates of speed for the first 5 trials the Wright brothers performed based on the background information provided
5. Compare the difference
Vocabulary
Literal Equations - A literal equation is an equation where variables represent known values. Literal equations allow use to represent things like distance, time, interest, and slope as variables in an equation.
Rate - Rate is the ratio between two related quantities.
Formula - A formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula.
Assessment Materials
Which Flight Counts as First?Read the following article with a partner and discuss your thoughts.
http://www.thewrightbrothers.org/fivefirstflights.html
Which, in your opinion, was the actual first flight and why?
Wilbur manned the first powered test flight on December 14, 1903 achieving 112 feet in 4 seconds before crashing. The brothers attempted three more times on December 17, 1903 ( 120 feet/12 seconds, 175 feet/13 seconds, 200 feet/15 seconds respectively) before claiming success on the fourth attempt of that day which lasted 59 seconds and flew 852 feet. Wilbur was the pilot. The brothers did not use the dune to assist in their trials as gravity would have played a role negating the first man powered flight.
Enrichment Activities
1.) Sketch a picture of the arc of each flight on the same piece of paper. How do they compare?
2.) Research communications in 1903. What was it like? What were the challenges?
3.) What other math formulas were relevant to the first flight?
Additional Resources
Websites:
http://www.thewrightbrothers.org/fivefirstflights.html
Books:
First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane by Tom D. Crouch