Aircraft in action: The science of flying

Students will begin with a personalised tour of the museum’s aircraft while investigating the science of flight. Through observation and discussion, students will explore how forces act on objects and how these forces enable aircraft to achieve controlled, powered flight.

Students will examine Bernoulli’s Principle of Flight and apply their understanding to explain the key forces of flight, including lift, thrust, gravity, and drag. They will also explore the directional movements of aircraft such as pitch, roll, and yaw, and how these are controlled through key features of the aircraft.

With guidance, students will build and apply scientific vocabulary, linking theory to real-world examples by identifying key features on historic aircraft. This supports the development of inquiry skills, including questioning, predicting, and explaining observable phenomena.

Tour highlights include iconic aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel, Supermarine Spitfire, Avro Lancaster, Douglas Dakota C-47, Consolidated PBY Catalina, Panavia Tornado GR4, and F/A-18 Hornet.

Hands-on activities reinforce learning through practical investigation. Students will design and test paper aeroplanes, conduct parachute drop experiments from the mezzanine to explore gravity and air resistance, and sit inside the fuselage of the Douglas Dakota to connect learning with real engineering design.