Upper Elementary Lessons & Resources
Build a Plane Powered by Stored Energy
Build a plane that is powered by stored energy from a rubber band, balloon or spring. The plane should be able to fly straight for 5 feet.
Build a helicopter that flies 10' in the air, stays up for 10 seconds, and carries a payload of 1 penny
Build a machine that makes sound waves by vibrating itself or the air around it
Building an Airplane Painting Machine
Make a plane painting machine to draw a design on your airplane
Build a wing that can support its own weight over a span of at least 2'
Build a Lightweight Airplane Wing
Build a lightweight wing structure that is 12 inches long and can hold up a heavy load (weight) without deflecting.
Build a stomp rocket that can carry a ping pong ball and hit a target.
Build an airplane that collects air samples
Design a robotic arm that can move a variety of light weight objects from a table into a cup without using your hands
Build a satellite that can deploy its own solar wings and antennae
Learn about air resistance while making an awesome parachute! Design one that can fall slowly to the ground before putting it to the test, making modifications as you go.
Engineer a Fuel Level Detector
Engineer a sensor that can detect how much fuel is in your tank
Build a wing that can generate lift
Engineering a Self Deploying Device
Build a device that opens up when thrown into the air
Engineering a Flow Control System
Build a system that controls the movement of material and shuts off automatically
Engineering an Automated Wrapping Machine
Build a machine that can make a plane fuselage by wrapping a mold (just like Boeing's carbon fiber placement machines)
Engineering an Air-Powered Spinning Machine
Build an air-powered spinning machine inspired by Boeing CST-100 Starliner.
Engineer a Communication Network
Plan and build a network to send communication in multiple directions to multiple people
The Flight of Amelia Earhart Unit
With an interactive timeline, a news writing activity, and historical context- discover the enduring legacy of an American hero.
Hack a Box (Security Systems Engineering)
Build a box that only you know how to open and is safe from hackers
Most paper airplanes are flat, but these paper hoops can really fly!
Make a machine that uses a fluid to move and can lift at least 10 pennies
Make a Water Transport Satellite
Make a satellite that can hold a cup of water and does not leak during a bumpy rocket launch
Free resources about the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)
Stories of the Wrights' Flight.
Ultra-efficient Engine Technology
Introduce elementary grade students to aerospace engineering.
Water rockets are an excellent tool for learning about rockets, propulsion, and aerodynamics.
Investigating the weather and physics of flight.
