Moving Systems Design Project Web Links
Our writers recommended these independent websites as background information and content supplements for the Moving Systems Design Project.
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Dynamics of Flight
This website describes how an airplane flies, highlighting the effects of thrust, drag, gravity, and lift. Included are simple diagrams that show the direction of each force acting on an airplane. ( http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html#forces )
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Engines
This section of the NASA website, geared for elementary students, describes how engines work, with emphasis on propulsion. ( http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/UEET/StudentSite/engines.html )
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Making Things Move: Pushing and Pulling, Falling and Sliding
This simple, interactive website, challenges students to identify the force that makes an object move. It covers pushes, pulls, friction and gravity. ( http://player.discoveryeducation.com/views/extView.cfm?guidAssetId=2BA33B1D-9A91-4148-AED7B85A0790FC19&blnPopup=1&productCode=US )
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Galileo Drops the Ball
Students discover what happens when two balls of different masses, but of similar shape & density, are released together from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In addition, students can explore how air resistance affects different falling objects. ( http://www.seed.slb.com/labcontent.aspx?id=10206&terms=galileo )
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Gravity
This website provides background information about gravity and how it affects motion. ( http://www.physics4kids.com/files/motion_gravity.html )
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Lift and Drag
Lift and drag are described on this website. Some very nice illustrations and animation accompany the written content. ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/space/lift-drag.html )
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Friction Basics
The information presented on this website describes the force of friction and resistance. ( http://www.physics4kids.com/files/motion_friction.html )
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Speed Machines
Use this link for background information on the fastest airplane, boat, and car. ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/barrier/machinesleft.html?anchor=boat#boat )