Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, we wanna make a project about drones and mathematics - to examine the physics of flight and the mathematics of machines that fly. the project will consist of two components: flight planning and drone operation. In the flight planning phase, students chart a path for their aircraft with the addition of wind resistance and direction. In the second component, students are able to operate quadcopters and are challenged to traverse an obstacle course. What do you think about this idea, maybe you had something similar?


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I think this is a fantastic idea. Drones are so popular these days, so hopefully that will peak your students' interest. Learning physics is always better when it is tied to something you find interesting!

I like that you are including wind resistance and direction. If the students fly the drone in a straight line in different directions of the wind, they can learn why the same flight path flying east to west (say Atlanta to Los Angeles) can take an hour longer than flying west to east (Los Angeles to Atlanta). Have them fly the drone in a "cross wind" (perpendicular to the wind direction). If they fly a straight line long enough, perhaps they will experience "crab legging". Do they know that the wind will push their drone off course? Have them try to fly to a point straight ahead and see if the wind pushes them off course. Certainly something you have to consider when flight planning longer flights, especially during the landing phase.

I love the obstacle course! I can see the students getting excited about this.

I hope you and your students have a great time with this. Good luck!

dcnick96 wrote:I think this is a fantastic idea. Drones are so popular these days, so hopefully that will peak your students' interest. Learning physics is always better when it is tied to something you find interesting!

I like that you are including wind resistance and direction. If the students fly the drone in a straight line in different directions of the wind, they can learn why the same flight path flying east to west (say Atlanta to Los Angeles) can take an hour longer than flying west to east (Los Angeles to Atlanta). Have them fly the drone in a "cross wind" (perpendicular to the wind direction). If they fly a straight line long enough, perhaps they will experience "crab legging". Do they know that the wind will push their drone off course? Have them try to fly to a point straight ahead and see if the wind pushes them off course. Certainly something you have to consider when flight planning longer flights, especially during the landing phase.

I love the obstacle course! I can see the students getting excited about this.

I hope you and your students have a great time with this. Good luck!

Thanks for the support and inspirational tips