Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Using Airplane Space Efficiently
Provided by: NASA
Worksheets Grades 6-8, 9-12
Synopsis
- In this resource, students will practice calculating area and volume to illustrate the difference in efficiency between old and new airplane overhead compartments.
- Students will compare old and new overhead compartments by calculating their respective volumes and evaluating the best method of placing suitcases for maximum space usage.
Subjects: Physics, Mathematics, Engineering
Authors: NASA
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This lesson has relevance to a real-life issue and shows how mathematical concepts can be used to provide solutions
- This activity enables students to use critical thinking and find solutions.
Prerequisites
- Students need to be familiar with the formula for calculating the volume of regular objects.
- Students in regions that don't use imperial systems for measurement may need help to convert the measurements to metric.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can identify space optimization in other contexts, like the school bus and classroom, and suggest possible solutions.
- Economics students can link this to cost-benefit analysis. This can also be linked to fuel energy efficiency in vehicles and how it can be achieved through engineering and design.
- Students can also share any experiences they had while traveling and discuss if this is an issue worth changing compartments for or not. They can discuss the effects it may have on other aspects like comfort or fuel consumption.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
