Learn about how planes fly and are affected by weather
Even without any people, luggage or fuel on board, the average airplane weighs around 90,000 pounds! That’s about the same as 350 professional hockey goalies with their pads on! How can something that heavy fly in the air? How do they fly in rough weather? What is turbulence, anyway? Learn all about those things and more in this slideshow!
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Activity: Science in flight
The Bernoulli principle helps explain how planes fly. Not convinced that Daniel Bernoulli had it right? Check out these experiments that will help you see the Bernoulli principle in action!
Fun for all ages, but best for explorers aged 7-10.
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Activity: Cool Crossword
Test what you learned in the slideshow about the forces of flight, the parts of a plane, and more in this interactive crossword puzzle!
Fun for all ages, but best for explorers aged 7-10.
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Activity: Parachutes Away!
Use the force of drag to your advantage to keep Humpty Dumpty safe! Create a strong parachute that uses drag to float gently to the ground, and then see how well you did by adding an eggy passenger!
Fun for all ages!
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Activity: Pilot your plane!
See if you can control the flightpath of this cardboard and paper airplane that includes elevators, ailerons and a rudder. See how changing the position of each of these instruments can change the way your plane flies!
Fun for all ages, but best for explorers aged 11-14.
Resources: Want to keep exploring?
We’ve found some great resources to help you learn more about how airplanes fly!