On November 26 th, 2011, NASA launched the Curiosity rover to replace the Spirit and Opportunity Curiosity landed on August 5 th, 2012 and has been sending back pictures and data since The project cost the US $2.5 billion, and Germany contributed an additional $3.1 billion.

Rover traveled through atmosphere and space, which takes careful understanding of the mechanics of flight… How do planes fly? Forces of flight?

Plane wings have a distinct, curved shape The shape lets them achieve lift. How? Diffusion! Diffusion! Air moves from high to low pressure

How do birds achieve lift? – By flapping their wings What other characteristics do birds have that help them to fly? – Feathers to catch air with – Powerful muscles – More efficient lungs – Hollow bones.

Albatross Hawk

Elliptical wings on birds adapted to forested for good maneuverability Soaring wings have a high aspect ratio (length compared to width) which provides more lift

Explore more about the Mars Space Laboratory at NASA’s mission control pagemission control page Mars Rover Mission Page Fact Sheet Follow the Mars Rover Mission Page link on Mr. A’s website and find the ‘Fact Sheet’ – What is the Rover’s mission? – How long will it be on Mars? – What is one piece of equipment the rover has? – Using the ‘Latest image gallery’ explain what Abraham Lincoln has to do with the rover

Elliptical wings tend to be found on birds adapted to forested, wooded and shrubby habitats where birds require good maneuverability and are generally short with a low aspect ratio. These wings often have a high degree of slotting which is associated with the requirement of slow speed flight. Elliptical wings are found in the passerines, the gallinaceous species as well as woodpeckers and doves.

High speed wings are possessed by birds that feed in the air or have to make long migratory hauls. They are seen in the swifts, swallows and also the falcons and some shorebirds. These wings have a relatively high aspect ratio and are only slightly cambered, having an almost flat profile and are often swept back.

The high aspect wing is found on soaring sea birds such as albatross and can also be seen on gliders. They, like the slotted high-lift wing can provide plenty of lift in the windswept environment in which they live.

The slotted high-lift wing is a characteristic of many terrestrial soaring birds, such as the eagles and the vultures. These wings have a moderate aspect ratio with marked slotting and are heavily cambered. This wing design not only allows them to carry heavy loads but also enables them to minimize energy expenditure whilst foraging for food.

Explore the mechanics of flight! poster 1.Make a poster showcasing flight mechanics 2.Design 2.Design your own plane based on an insect or bird wing and explain its advantages documentary 3.Make a documentary podcast & picture slideshow about the flight of a unique bird / bug / plane Discover: Discover: the fastest plane or bird; the heaviest; which one flaps its wings the fastest; how their wings support their lifestyle.

poster Make a poster showcasing flight mechanics – Show how each different example achieves flight (one part of tri-fold for insects, one for birds, one for planes) – Describe how they balance the 4 factors of flight (lift, thrust, weight, drag); make a graph/chart/table comparing these values – Include different pictures of each example – Make a few, stylish paper airplanes that are designed to show how the different flight factors can change (make a plane that is able to use lift to float longer, one that uses thrust to go far, etc.)

Design Design your own plane based on an insect or bird and explain its advantages – Build a model of your plane or create several illustrations and blueprints (or both!) – If you build a physical model: – If you build a physical model: Make an owner’s manual that describes the unique features of your plane and how it works What is special about its wings? What is special about its wings? Does it use propellers, jet engines, something else? Does it use propellers, jet engines, something else? – If you make illustrations or blueprints: – If you make illustrations or blueprints: Create an advertisement such as a poster or commercial for your plane to explains how it works and why someone should invest in your design.

documentary Make a documentary podcast & picture slideshow about the flight of a unique bird / bug / plane – What can it do that makes it special? – How is able to accomplish this? – How does it balance the 4 factors for flight? (I.e. How much lift does it create? How does it reduce drag?) – Find as many other interesting details as you can If a plane: If a plane: How much does it cost? What is it made of? If an organism: If an organism: How long does it live? – Your documentary should be at least 3 minutes worth of quality information.