Wright
Brothers' Invention Process
|
(1903 - 1920's)
- Developed Propulsion Systems
The Wright Brothers were the first to fly a
self-propelled,
heavier than air machine. This required the development of two other
pieces of technology; a light weight
motor
and the propellers
to push the aircraft through the air.
The brothers based their engine
design on an early internal combustion
engine
for an automobile.
The thin, high speed propellers which they designed were based on
wind tunnel
tests and were unlike any other propellers being used at that time.
While the design of the airframe of the Wright aircraft remained
nearly the same for years, the brothers continually improved and
upgraded their engine design. Between 1903 and 1913 the engine power
increased from 12 horsepower to nearly 75 horsepower.
Today, NASA continues to perfect aircraft engines
and develop new methods for aircraft propulsion at the Glenn Research
Center.
| Legend
of Related Programs:: |
W |
Website |
| L |
Lesson
Plans/Materials |
| A |
Activity |
| V |
Webcasts/Video |
| C |
CD-ROM |
| S |
Simulation |
| Program |
Description |
Grade |
W |
L |
A |
V |
C |
S |
| Aeronautics
Kidspage |
This
website is designed to help children learn about aeronautics,
with an emphasis on aircraft engines. Lesson plans on
the history, dynamics, and propulsion of airplanes are
provided. |
K- 6 |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
| Beginners
Guide to Propulsion |
This
interactive website serves as a guide to how jet engines
work. Activities, data, and engine simulations are available
for teachers and students. |
K-16 |
x |
|
x |
|
|
x |
| Central
Operations of Resources for Education (CORE) |
CORE
is the world-wide distribution center of NASA-produced,
educational, multimedia materials. The public has access
to over 200 videocassettes, slides, and CD-ROMs chronicling
NASA's state-of-the-art research and technology. |
K-16 |
x |
x |
|
|
|
|
| EngineSim |
Students
can manipulate variables to design and test engines to
see what is most efficient. This software fosters hands
on inquiry-based learning in science and math by simulating
jet engine tests and the effects that engines have on
the speed and range of aircraft. |
9-12 |
|
|
|
|
x |
x |
| Mobile
Aeronautics Education Laboratory (MAEL) |
The
mobile state-of-the-art Aeronautics Education Laboratory
brings new technologies to partnership cities to excite
students about science and math. Visitors can experience
10 hands-on workstations that model real world aviation
chK-16enges like weather forecasting, flight design, airfoil
design, and flight controls. |
K-12 |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
| The
Wright Brothers Posters |
This
pair of posters includes "The Process of Invention" and
"Innovation Through Flight". Both posters showcase the
vital role that engineering has played in human progress.
|
K-12 |
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
| The
Wright Way |
Learn
about the development of the first manned, powered flight
from its conception through research and experimentation,
to success and beyond. This website features facts, lesson
plans, simulations, activities, and contains information
on how to participate in the Centennial of Flight Celebration.
|
K-12 |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
x |
|
Site Map and Links to Wright Brothers Information
|
