Aero Drag Lesson Plan Aero-Drag
Teacher Lesson Plan
7th Grade Science
Physics & Engineering
Learning Objective
Students will apply their understanding of air resistance (friction) to an engineering design challenge, maximizing drag to slow a falling object.
Materials List
• Coffee Filters
• String / Yarn
• Washers (Weight)
• Stopwatches
• Tape
• Paper (Cardstock/Copy)
Lesson Sequence (50 Min)
5 MIN
The Hook: The Parachute Clip
Show the video at 2:33 . Observe the parachute dropping.
Key Question: "How does the shape of the parachute create friction with the air? What's actually happening at a microscopic level?"
10 MIN
Review & Deep Dive
Watch video segments: 2:33–2:53 (Parachute mechanics) and 4:56–5:37 (Paraglider acceleration/resistance).
Define Friction as resistance to motion caused by matter in contact.
Highlight Air Resistance as collisions with air molecules.
Connect Surface Area to the frequency of these collisions.
25 MIN
The Slowest Drop Challenge
Challenge: Make a single washer fall as slowly as possible from a height of 2 meters.
Phase 1: Build (15 min)
Students design their drag device using coffee filters, paper, and string. Focus on maximizing surface area to increase "air molecule collisions."
Phase 2: Test (10 min)
Conduct 3 trials. Record time in seconds. Goal: Highest average time.
10 MIN
Synthesis & Reflection
Students write a technical explanation of their design performance.
Must Include Terms:
SURFACE AREA AIR MOLECULES COLLISION FRICTION
Common Misconceptions
Students often think heavier objects always fall faster regardless of air. Remind them of the "Matter in Contact" definition from the video (02:50).
Differentiation
Support: Provide a pre-cut parachute template. Extension: Limit the mass of the drag device (e.g., max 2 coffee filters).
Aero Drag Slides Aero-Drag
The Physics of Air Friction
The Hook
Watch carefully at 2:33.
"How does the shape of this object create friction?"
Embedded media
What is Friction?
Definition
A resistance to motion caused by matter in contact with an object.
Air Resistance
Friction caused by air molecules colliding with a surface.
Speeding Up?
Embedded media
The Rule:
Applied Force > Friction
To accelerate, the engine (fan) must overcome the collisions of air molecules.
The Slowest
Drop
Engineering Challenge
Objective
Design a device to slow down a falling washer.
Success Goal
Maximize air friction to increase drop time.
Rules
Use only the provided materials (Coffee filters, paper, string).
Technical Vocabulary Checklist
01
Surface Area
The total area that can touch air molecules.
02
Collisions
Bumping into air particles to slow down.
03
Magnitude
The "size" of the friction force.
04
Resistance
Forces that oppose the direction of motion.
Slowest Drop Worksheet The Slowest Drop
Aero-Drag Engineering Challenge
Name:
Date:
The Mission
Design a device that maximizes air friction to make a single metal washer fall as slowly as possible.
Inventory List
Coffee Filters Copy Paper String Tape 1 Washer
The Golden Rule
Friction is caused by matter in contact with the object. More matter = More resistance.
Blueprint / Sketch
Label your parts and materials
Testing Data
Trial Drop Height Time (Seconds) Observations 1 2 Meters 2 2 Meters 3 2 Meters Average Time:
Reflection & Engineering Report
Explain why your device fell slowly (or why it didn't). You must use the video's definition of friction to explain your results.
Vocabulary Checklist: SURFACE AREA AIR MOLECULES COLLISION FRICTION
