The basic lesson plan provided by PLTW and followed by the teacher is as follows:
Unit 1: Introduction to Aerospace
The goal of this unit is to excite students about aerospace engineering while providing a foundation of knowledge
related to flight. In this unit students explore the rich history of aerospace achievement that advanced the industry.
Students are introduced to the physics that allow flight within the atmosphere and the systems which provide safe
coordination for aircraft.
Introduction to Aerospace Lesson Summary
Lesson 1.1 Evolution of Flight
Lesson 1.2 Physics of Flight
Lesson 1.3 Flight Planning and Navigation
Lesson 1.1 Evolution of Flight
The goal of this lesson is for students to develop a foundational understanding of aerospace accomplishments.
Achievements in aerospace engineering are set within the context of applying science, technology, math, and
engineering to solve problems. Students develop their skills of working with a team and then within a larger group
of the entire class while researching and discussing achievements in aerospace.
Lesson 1.2 Physics of Flight
The goal of this lesson is for students to build a foundational understanding of how flight within the Earth’s
atmosphere is possible. Students learn about the parts of an aircraft, how aircraft are controlled, and how the four
forces of flight interrelate. Each of the forces of flight is explored individually to emphasize their impact. Students
use a simulator to design an airfoil and analyze performance under changing conditions. An option is included for
students to design, build, and test an airfoil in a wind tunnel if available. Students apply their knowledge and skills
through a series of activities and projects to design, optimize, build, and test a competitive glider.
Lesson 1.3 Flight Planning and Navigation
The goal of this lesson is for students to fly an aircraft using simulation software and learn how aircraft are safely
coordinated. In this lesson students use a flight simulator to experience how aircraft respond to control systems.
Students are introduced to navigation systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Students apply their
knowledge of GPS to plan a route and exchange this plan with another group to evaluate the plan’s accuracy.
Students learn how aircraft are safely coordinated through Air Traffic Control (ATC). Students apply this knowledge
to scenarios where students make decisions in a simulated environment.
Unit 2: Aerospace Design
The goal of this unit is for students to learn about factors which affect aircraft design. Students develop knowledge
and skills in this unit through the use of software design, simulation tools, and hands-on construction of composites.
Lesson 2.1 Materials and Structures
Lesson 2.2 Propulsion
Lesson 2.3 Flight Physiology
Lesson 2.1 Materials and Structures
The goal of this lesson is for students to learn about aerospace materials and their application. In this lesson
students will explore properties of some aerospace materials. Students will design an aircraft structural component
in computer aided design (CAD) simulation software. Students will create and test composite samples which
represent structural components used in aircraft construction.
Lesson 2.2 Propulsion
The goal for this lesson is for students to develop a deeper understanding of one of the four forces of atmospheric
flight – thrust – while understanding the foundation of spacecraft propulsion. In this lesson students will learn about
ways thrust is produced for aircraft and spacecraft. Students learn how aircraft propulsion system parameters
interrelate using simulation software. Students design, build, and test their own model rockets.
Lesson 2.3 Flight Physiology
The goal of this lesson is for students to learn how the human body is affected by flight conditions and its impact
on aircraft design. Students will measure various parameters of their vision, reaction time, and communication
effectiveness. Students research and present aircraft accident investigation resources.
Unit 3: Space
The goal of this unit is for students to focus on space related-concepts defined in aerospace engineering. Students
will learn about the governance of space and the impact of exploration of space. Students learn orbital mechanics
and apply these concepts to modeling orbiting systems with software used by aerospace engineers.
Space Lesson Summary
Lesson 3.1 Space Travel
Lesson 3.2 Orbital Mechanics
Lesson 3.1 Space Travel
The goal of this lesson is for students to gain a perspective of the immense scale of the universe and our exploration
of space. In this lesson students are oriented to the dimensions of space by relating it to distances which they
can see in the world close to them. Students learn about the accomplishments in space exploration and the legal
system which governs these activities. Students explore the growing space debris problem and design and mock
up a space junk mitigation system.
Lesson 3.2 Orbital Mechanics
The goal of this lesson is for students to understand the need for various types of satellite orbits and how different
orbits are well-suited for different satellite missions. This lesson will provide students with an introduction to and
basic understanding of laws governing and describing satellite orbits. Students will learn about the Keplerian
Element Set and Kepler’s Laws of Motion. Students apply what they learned by creating a model of the International
Space Station orbit using Systems Tool Kit (STK). STK is a powerful software package used by aerospace engineers.
Unit 4: Alternative Applications
The goal of this unit is for students to consider applications of aerospace concepts beyond the design of aircraft
and spacecraft and to explore career opportunities in the field of aerospace engineering. Students simulate a
progression of operations to explore a planet. Students build and operate a remote sensing model to measure
a physical terrain similar to the satellite overflight of an unexplored planet. Students transform the data into a
topographical map that students will use to plan an autonomous planetary rover mission.
Alternative Applications Lesson Summary
Lesson 4.1 Alternative Applications
Lesson 4.2 Remote Systems
Lesson 4.3 Aerospace Careers
Lesson 4.1 Alternative Applications
The goal of this lesson is for students to learn how aerospace engineering concepts can be applied beyond
the design of aircraft and spacecraft. Students apply concepts related to airfoils and wind turbines to determine
efficiency. Students apply the airfoil drag equation to design a parachute which they build and test.
Lesson 4.2 Remote Systems
The goal of this lesson is for students to learn to integrate mechanical, electrical, and software systems in the
context of accomplishing a sequence of objectives to explore a new planet. In this lesson students learn to design,
create, and test using a robot modeling system which includes input sensors and output devices. This system
provides students a platform to model systems such as a robot and satellite. Students use the robot system to
create a satellite model to gather elevation data of a terrain. This data is processed to generate a topographical
map that they use as an input to planning a rover mission to that terrain. Students use the modeling system to
design, build, program, and test an autonomous vehicle which simulate a rover sent to explore a remote location
such as a planet or moon. An optional project is available for differentiated instruction in a classroom with a
diverse level of student knowledge and skill. Students use the modeling system to create a physical simulation of
an autopilot system. Students create a program to use an accelerometer input to control the output of an aircraft
control surface.
Lesson 4.3 Aerospace Careers
The goal of this lesson is for students to consider a career in aerospace engineering. In this lesson students
envision themselves as future aerospace professionals and propose the major steps to achieve that vision.
In addition to lectures there were hands on labs of 2-3 hours a week on average, with some weeks consisting of up to 5 hours.
The largest project labs completed where:
The modeling and testing of wooden gliders.
The modeling and testing of model rockets.
The testing of different solid-state model rocket engines.
Research and debate into the different considerations of long-term space flights.
Research of different actual and theoretical rocket propulsion systems.
The modeling and building of a prototype to clean up space debris.
Hands-on exploration of an actual satellite following the guidebook from a college class.