Feeling the Forces of Flight
May in the Joe Clark Innovation Lab is all about flight mechanics:
- Browse our library, where we’ve added new books about aviation adventurers.
- Explore an interactive timeline of aviation milestones that chart the evolution of the mechanics of flight.
- Attend “Why I Fly” video screenings to hear modern-day aviators talk about their passion for flight.
Come to Science Saturday on May 16, when we’ll dive deep into flight mechanics with hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations that bring aviation science to life! We’ll explore
- the four forces of flight,
- how wings create lift, including how winglets improve flight efficiency,
- how pilots steer an aircraft,
- how thrust moves a plane forward and how jet engines work, and
- the materials and engineering behind modern aircraft design.
We’ll also take on a LEGOⓇ build challenge where participants design and build their own flying machines.
Our special guest that day will be Hannah Savard, an avionics technician at Premier Private Jets who specializes in aircraft electrical systems and autopilots. Hannah is pursuing her airframe and powerplant certifications at Sinclair Community College and will share her experiences in the aviation industry and introduce some of the tools used in avionics work
Can’t make it to the Lab this month? No problem! Wherever you are, you can still explore with our Discovering Flight at-home activities through our online engagement hub. We offer hands-on activities, videos, and inspiring stories about aviation pioneers for students from pre-Kindergarten through high school.
In May, kids can virtually explore the mechanics of flight with these activities:
- Watch the Four Forces of Flight and How a Jet Engine Works.
- Play this piloting game with friends and then try your hands at this 3D flight simulator.
- Build a straw loop glider.
- Grab a couple of tennis balls and experiment with the forces of flight.
Keep the Artemis excitement going with our new Artemis collection of activities, videos, and the latest Artemis news. (Photo below is from the Artemis II launch party in the Lab in April.)
