Power Energy, and
Transportation
Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of only a few inexhaustible forms of
energy available in the Solar Energy Module students will
explore different forms of energy and energy conservation,
focusing specially on how we can make use of the sun's
powerful resources. Students will learn how a solar cell
operates and how to convert solar energy to light,
mechanical work, and sound. Using hands-on activities,
students will observe the advantages of tracking the
light source, learn how to store energy in a capacitor, and
perform measurements and calculations.
Wind Energy
As we deplete more and more of our world's nonrenewable
energy source, we must find alternative means of energy. In
the Wind Energy Module students will examine the growing
field of alternative energy systems-specifically wind
energy. By utilization a wind energy transfer system,
students explore the process of converting mechanical energy
into electrical energy. They experiment to store and use
energy to power and light, a transistor radio, and a
mechanical load.
Aerodynamics
Bernoulli's principle and Newton's Third Law are
reinforced in the Aerodynamics Module as a students use a
variable-speed bi-directional wind tunnel to test various
geometric shapes, vehicles shapes, and control surface of
wing section for lift and drag at multiple angles of attack.
Students conduct hands-on experiments that teach about the
properties of air and how it affects -and is effected
by-objects as it flows, they become familiar with the
terminology and principles associated with aerodynamics,
fluid dynamics, and flight. The design process is key as
students utilize test data to design and construct a model.
While studying advanced aerodynamics, students design,
construct, and test an electricity-generating wind turbine.
Overall, this module promotes higher level thinking by
encouraging students to rethink and improve their design.
Aerospace
The Aerospace Module challenges students to apply math
and physics skills to design, create, and test a model
rocket. Using computer simulation programs and videos,
students can explore the solar system and several individual
celestial bodies. They also study President Kennedy's
challenge to reach the moon and the formation of NASA as a
direct result of this challenge. Students will discover the
obstacles and disasters NASA encountered
and overcame as they raced the USSR to the moon, and how
that race led to the Space Shuttle program and the
multinational space station.
Transportation
In the Transportation Module students learn about land,
marine, aerospace, and fixed transportation systems, and how
the evolution of these systems has directly affected our
civilization by accelerating economics, political, and
intellectual development. Through hands-on activities with a
quarter scale gas-powered radio controlled car, students
explore theories regarding internal combustion engines,
suspension systems, braking systems, and steering systems of
automobiles. Student's math and geography knowledge, as well
as communications and resource management skills, are
reinforced as they apply money, time, and distance to
practical situations.
Aviation
The transportation field has changed dramatically over
the years. Perhaps the most dynamic changes have occurred in
the field of aviation. In the Aviation Module students learn
the four forces that affect flight as they explore the
history and principles of aviation. During their study, they
will design, construct, and test their own model aircraft.
Students also operate a Flight Simulator 98 and Flight
Simulator 2002 pro to help faster an understanding of
how an aircraft is controlled during takeoff, flight, and
landing by adjusting various surfaces of the wings and tail.
Meteorology and Weather
The Meteorology and Weather Module introduces students to
the world of weather, forecasting, and the climates in our
world. Students explore the history of weather in the United
States and determine what causes weather, what affects it,
and how it influences our daily lives. By monitoring,
observing, recording, and predicting the weather locally,
regionally, and nationally, students learn common
terminology of meteorology, how to interpret weather
satellite images, how weather patterns develop, and what
causes rain.
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