Resources on Physics and Aerospace
Image of the physics of flight on a drone (©2019 Let’s Talk Science)
Image of the physics of flight on a drone (©2019 Let’s Talk Science)
How does this align with my curriculum?
Curriculum Alignment
AB
10
Knowledge and Employability Science 10-4 (2006)
Unit B: Understanding Energy Transfer Technologies
BC
11
Physics 11 (June 2018)
Big Idea: An object’s motion can be predicted, analyzed, and described.
NU
10
Knowledge and Employability Science 10-4 (2006)
Unit B: Understanding Energy Transfer Technologies
YT
11
Physics 11 (British Columbia, June 2018)
Big Idea: An object’s motion can be predicted, analyzed, and described.
YT
12
Physics 12 (British Columbia, June 2018)
Big Idea: Measurement of motion depends on our frame of reference.
NT
10
Knowledge and Employability Science 10-4 (Alberta, 2006)
Unit B: Understanding Energy Transfer Technologies
NU
6
K-6 Science and Technology Curriculum (NWT, 2004)
Matter and Materials: Properties of Air and Characteristics of Flight
NT
6
K-6 Science and Technology Curriculum (NWT, 2004)
Matter and Materials: Properties of Air and Characteristics of Flight
PE
6
Integrated Curriculum Grade 6: Science (Draft 2023)
DK 1.4: Various forces and factors enable flight and exciting ways of traveling through the air.
YT
12
Physics 12 (British Columbia, June 2018)
Big Idea: Forces can cause linear and circular motion.
BC
11
Earth Sciences 11 (June 2018
Big Idea: Astronomy seeks to explain the origin and interactions of Earth and its solar system.
ON
12
Earth and Space Science, Grade 12, University (SES4U)
Strand C: Planetary science (Science of the Solar System)
Resource page including articles and career profiles related to physics and aerospace.
Humans are explorers. From the beginning of our existence, we strived to reach out and explore new frontiers. Once we had traveled across the globe, we set our sight on reaching higher up. From the Wright Brothers to interstellar probes, none of this would have been made possible without unraveling the laws of physics that govern our world.
Physicists are turning the mysteries of Earth and space into principles we can use for building and engineering devices that allow us to fly, to build stations orbiting the earth, land on Mars and send probes outside of the solar system.
Below are are some of Let’s Talk Science resources that will allow you to explore the vast world of aerospace physics.
Articles, Backgrounders and Hands-on Activities
Escape Velocity
STEM Explained
Why do a baseball and a rocket need the same launch speed to get from Earth into space? It has to do with physics and gravitational force.
Cosmic Radiation and Aviation
Backgrounders
Learn how people came to understand the source of cosmic radiation, as well as how this radiation impacts those who work in and travel on airplanes.
Airborne & Space Telescopes
Backgrounders
Learn about telescopes that do their work high in Earth’s atmosphere and in space.
Orbital Mechanics
Backgrounders
This backgrounder helps explain the laws of Orbital Mechanics, including Newton’s Laws.
What are Cosmic Rays?
Backgrounders
This backgrounder has information about both cosmic & neutron radiation.
Telescopes and Astronomy
Backgrounders
Visible light is only part of what astronomers study. They use different types of telescopes to study the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
The Life and Death of Stars
STEM Explained
The life and death of stars form the chemical elements that make up Earth, making stars critical to life as we know it.
Radiation and Human Space Exploration
STEM Explained
One of the greatest hazards that humans in space face is cosmic radiation. Learn what cosmic radiation is, why it's dangerous, and ways that we are looking at protecting humans in deep space.
How can we land a model space probe?
Hands-on Activities
Design and build a model space probe.
Where Can We Find Asteroids and Comets?
Backgrounders
This backgrounder explains the difference between planets, dwarf planets and small solar system bodies, such as asteroids and comets.
From Sky to Space
STEM Explained
Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques explain how learning to fly an aircraft prepared them for the challenges of living in space.
How do an Airplane's Tires Help It Land Safely?
STEM Explained
Manufacturing and engineering airplane tires is important work! Learn how airplane tires keep the aircraft safe during takeoff and landing.
Careers
Learning about the professionals involved is ideal to establish relations between STEM studies and skills, and the real world. Below are some suggested career profiles to show the variety of people involved in different areas of physics and aerospace.
Rachel Ward-Maxwell
Researcher-Programmer, Astronomy & Space Sciences
See Rachel Ward-Maxwell 's profile
Teaching Resources
- What principles of physics are involved in flight?
- Where can an aerospace physicist work? Do you know any aerospace companies in your area?
- What does an astrophysicist study?
- Can you think of recent news about aviation and space?
- What challenges can physicists help with concerning the mission to set a base around our Moon? And to set the first human settlement on another planet, Mars?
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You can use the KWL: What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned Learning Strategy to introduce the topic.
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Initial discussion
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Using the questions above, discuss the topics with students. This can be done in the classroom or online, you can also have an asynchronous discussion by using a collaborative platform in which students can share their thoughts and opinions on the different questions. This option gives more space for introvert expression.
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Articles
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Teaching suggestions can be found at the bottom of each of the articles. Learning strategies can also be used with the suggested videos.
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Questions for Discussion with Students
- What principles of physics are involved in flight?
- Where can an aerospace physicist work? Do you know any aerospace companies in your area?
- What does an astrophysicist study?
- Can you think of recent news about aviation and space?
- What challenges can physicists help with concerning the mission to set a base around our Moon? And to set the first human settlement on another planet, Mars?
Teaching Suggestions
-
You can use the KWL: What I Know, What I Want to Know, and What I Learned Learning Strategy to introduce the topic.
-
Initial discussion
-
Using the questions above, discuss the topics with students. This can be done in the classroom or online, you can also have an asynchronous discussion by using a collaborative platform in which students can share their thoughts and opinions on the different questions. This option gives more space for introvert expression.
-
-
Articles
-
Teaching suggestions can be found at the bottom of each of the articles. Learning strategies can also be used with the suggested videos.
-