Bernoulli's Principle and Flight

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Objective

I can describe how Bernoulli's Principle impacts the flight of objects

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

TED-Ed · 5:03Vetted channel

We don't generate video — this one is by TED-Ed on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    An airplane wing generates lift because the air traveling above the wing moves faster than the air traveling below, creating an area of lower pressure.

  2. 2

    A common, but incorrect, explanation of lift says that air molecules above and below the wing must meet at the same time, but in reality, the air above reaches the wing's trailing edge much faster.

  3. 3

    If a wing is too curved or steeply angled, the airflow above may detach and become turbulent, which can reduce lift.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

12 questions

1

According to the video, what is the main force that allows airplanes to stay in the air?

2

What is the incorrect explanation of lift discussed in the video, and why is it wrong?

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Explain how the speed of air moving around a wing affects the pressure, and how this pressure difference creates lift.

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

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