How Planes Fly
Learn about what gets planes up in the air, what keeps them up there, and what brings them down again.
Resources on Physics and Aerospace
Resource page including articles and career profiles related to physics and aerospace.
ScienceXplosion - The Era of the Air Pump
On this episode of ScienceXplosion, Eric makes a bottle rocket.
Which materials bounce?
Balls go up and down. But what makes for a good ball? Find out by exploring which materials bounce.
What is your weight on another planet?
Do you weigh the same on Jupiter as you do on Earth? Learn to calculate your weight on a different planet.
The Hovering Human
Learn how a team of Canadian engineers used Bernoulli’s Principle to design a human-powered helicopter. It set a world record for human-powered hovering flight!
Testing Parachutes for Mars
NASA engineers apply kinematics and dynamics to test parachutes designed specifically to help space probes land safely using aerodynamics.
Soaring for Sport
Ever dreamed if overcoming gravity and flying away? Using aerodynamics, wingsuit jumpers get as close to flight as humanly possible.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's... a Drone!
Drones are very cool and very useful aircraft! This resource explains how drones stay in flight, and outlines some of their uses.
Hydraulics 101
Hydraulics power many of the large machines you see around you.
How can you lift a marble off a table without touching it with your hands?
Is it magic? No - it’s physics! Use circular motion to overcome the force of gravity and amaze your family!
How Can Understanding Physics Help Me Go Faster on My Bike?
You don’t have to pedal harder to go faster. You just have to understand a little bit about dynamics, gravitational force and friction!
How can I make a bottle rocket?
Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.
How Can I Go Faster on My Bike?
You don’t have to pedal harder to go faster. You just have to understand a little bit about gravity, drag and friction!