Forces of Flight
Grade 7 · Science · 45 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can explain how lift, weight, thrust, and drag affect an airplane's speed and direction. Examine the four forces of flight: weight, lift, drag, and thrust.
Warm-Up Video
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum · 5:03
The Four Forces of Flight (How Things Fly Demonstration)
Practice Questions
7 questions · Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“An airplane is flying at a constant altitude and its thrust is increased. Explain how this change in thrust will affect the airplane's speed, and describe how the other forces (lift, weight, and drag) will adjust or be affected. An airplane is preparing to land and the pilot deploys flaps, which increases drag. Explain how this increase in drag will affect the airplane's speed, and describe how the other forces (lift, weight, and thrust) will adjust or be affected. An airplane is climbing to a higher altitude. Explain how the force of lift must change relative to the force of weight for the airplane to climb, and describe how the other forces (thrust and drag) will adjust or be affected.”
Complete Lesson Package
Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:
