How things fly: Physics and aerodynamics

From balloons to helicopters, flying objects are all around us - but have your students ever wondered how a helicopter stays in the air? Our latest resource, Science of Flight, is a free, interactive, 50-minute STEAM learning pathway that explores the physical principles governing flight for students aged 8 to 12. These are available in English, Spanish, French and German. 

Divided into four thematic chapters - Convection, Lift, Gravity and Rotation - this learning pathway guides educators’ teaching through short explainer videos, engaging texts, meeting key aviation historical figures, fun facts and interactive check-ins, unlocking and fostering students’ interdisciplinary thinking. Each chapter starts and ends with a quiz to measure students’ progress. 

Designed to empower all types of educators, this learning pathway bridges the history and physics of flight. Use it as a dynamic introduction to forces and motion, a unit wrap-up or a cross-curricular project combining Science, History and Visual Arts.

Inspire your students’ curiosity with a thrilling journey through the history and physics of aviation!

Balloon with 2 people flying with it in the sky

AF_Science of flight

Four STEAM chapters: Convection, lift, gravity and rotation

Start their journey with the Montgolfier brothers, whose discovery led to the very first hot-air balloon carrying a sheep, a duck and a rooster into the sky. Next, explore why birds – not humans – are built for flight using Leonardo da Vinci's bird-inspired ornithopter.

Then, discover core aerodynamic forces with the Wright brothers' first controlled aeroplane flight, and unpack rotary principles with Igor Sikorsky.

Fasten your seatbelt - your classroom is clear for take-off!

Four images: Exploring the concept of air, a questionnaire on Leonardo da Vinci, the Montgolfier brothers and a rotor

AF_Science of flight-2880x3840-Landscape-Option 3

How to use The Science of Flight

The Science of Flight was designed for educators, STEAM teachers and non-formal instructors who work with students. This resource can be used alone or with others, in class, at home or in an educational workshop as an
interactive 50-minute structured learning pathway.

It is free and easy to use:
• The 4 thematic chapters are independent and can be explored in any order as a 50-minute classroom unit or self-paced module, with one video embedded in each chapter.
• An internet connection is required.
• A computer device or classroom projector is recommended for optimal experience.
• An account is not needed, so no personal data is collected.

Use the learning pathway now

Find the learning pathway and downloadable teaching guide below. The booklet contains key
learning objectives, practical classroom uses, scientific concepts and historical events. 

Find the learning pathway and downloadable teaching guide below. The booklet contains key
learning objectives, practical classroom uses, scientific concepts and historical events.

Find the learning pathway and downloadable teaching guide below. The booklet contains key
learning objectives, practical classroom uses, scientific concepts and historical events.

Find the learning pathway and downloadable teaching guide below. The booklet contains key
learning objectives, practical classroom uses, scientific concepts and historical events.

Find the learning pathway and downloadable teaching guide below. The booklet contains key
learning objectives, practical classroom uses, scientific concepts and historical events.

What do you think of the learning pathway?

Select your language below:

Additional STEAM resources

Beyond The Science of Flight, we have also created other free STEAM resources to guide educators in teaching about our skies.