This lesson plan provides a flexible framework that can be adapted to fit various aviation or engineering topics while aligning with the Curriculum for Excellence learning experiences and outcomes. By encouraging collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking, this activity allows students to explore the future of aviation and develop valuable skills for their future endeavours.

Subject: Interdisciplinary (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Year Group: Primary 5 to 7 (ages 9 to 12)

Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes:

• SHG0-08a: I can explore different ways of solving problems creatively.
• TCH 0-09a: I can work collaboratively with others, sharing ideas and resources effectively.
• MTH 0-13a: I can use my understanding of measures to estimate and solve problems in familiar contexts.
• LIT 0-15a: I can communicate my ideas clearly and coherently using appropriate language and vocabulary.

Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to identify potential challenges faced by airports in the future.
• Students will be able to work collaboratively to design and build a model of a sustainable airport that addresses these challenges.
• Students will be able to present their design and explain how it overcomes the chosen challenge.

Materials

• Large pieces of cardboard or construction paper
• Recycled materials (paper tubes, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, etc.)
• Scissors, tape, glue
• Markers, crayons, or coloured pencils
• Pictures or diagrams of different airport features (runway, terminal, control tower, etc.)
• Information cards about potential airport challenges (e.g., rising sea levels, fuel shortages, increased passenger demand)

Lesson Time: 90 minutes

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (15 minutes):

• Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about airports and their importance. Write their answers on the board.
• Future Challenges: Introduce the concept of future challenges by discussing how the world is constantly changing. Show pictures or videos of real-world challenges faced by airports (e.g., flooding, delays, crowded terminals).
• Problem Presentation: Introduce information cards outlining different potential challenges faced by airports in the future (e.g., “Rising sea levels threaten the runway!” or “We need to find cleaner ways to power airplanes!”).

Group Work and Design Time (45 minutes):

• Group Formation: Divide students into small groups of 3 to 4.
• Challenge Selection: Each group randomly draws an information card with a specific future challenge.
• Brainstorming Solutions: Encourage groups to discuss the chosen challenge and brainstorm ways to overcome it in their airport design.
• Building the Model: Using the provided materials, students begin constructing a model of a future airport that addresses the chosen challenge. They can incorporate different features like elevated runways, solar panels, or eco-friendly airplanes.
• Collaboration and Communication: Encourage students to work together, share ideas, and problem-solve throughout the building process.

Presentation and Reflection (30 minutes):

• Group Presentations: Each group presents their model airport to the class, explaining their chosen challenge and how their design addresses it.
• Peer Feedback: Encourage other students to ask questions and provide constructive feedback on each presentation.
• Reflection: Facilitate a class discussion about the challenges they encountered and the importance of designing for the future. Encourage students to reflect on the different skills they used during the activity (e.g., teamwork, creativity, problem-solving).

Differentiation:

• Provide additional support for younger students by offering pre-cut shapes for their models or simplifying the information cards.
• Challenge older students to incorporate more complex features into their models or research specific technologies related to sustainable aviation.

Assessment:

• Observe students’ collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills during the group work and model building.
• Assess the clarity and comprehensiveness of their presentations.
• Use a self-reflection worksheet or individual interviews to gauge students’ understanding of the challenges and their learning experience.

Extension Activities:

• Research famous architects and engineers who specialise in designing airports.
• Write a short story about a future journey through the newly designed airport.
• Create a poster campaign raising awareness about the importance of sustainable airports.

Subject: Science (Physics and Chemistry)

Year Group: S1 / S2 (Ages 12 to 14)

This lesson plan provides a framework for engaging S1 and S2 science students in applying scientific knowledge to tackle the challenge of sustainability in aviation. By encouraging research, critical thinking, and scientific communication, this activity allows them to explore the scientific basis of flight and contribute to innovative solutions for a cleaner future.

Scottish Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Experiences and Outcomes:

• SCN 1-42a: I can investigate scientific ideas and problems through practical enquiries.
• SCN 1-43a: I can analyse scientific information from a variety of sources, including scientific reports, multimedia and websites.
• SCN 1-44a: I can present my findings in a clear and well-structured way using scientific terminology.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to analyse the scientific principles governing aircraft flight.
• Students will be able to evaluate the environmental impact of current aviation practices.
• Students will be able to research and propose scientifically sound solutions to a specific future aviation challenge related to sustainability.

Materials:

• Computers with internet access (for research)
• Whiteboard or flipchart with markers
• Sticky notes
• Information cards with descriptions of various future aviation challenges focused on a scientific aspect (e.g., “Develop a new fuel source with higher energy density but lower carbon footprint” or “Design a more aerodynamic wing structure to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency”).
• Basic scientific equipment (optional, depending on chosen challenge): Scales, graduated cylinders, simple balances, balloons, paper airplanes (for demonstrations)

Lesson Time: 90 minutes

Lesson Outline:

Introduction and Scientific Principles (20 minutes):

• Demonstration: Begin with a brief demonstration or video clip illustrating the basic scientific principles of flight (lift, drag, thrust, gravity). Use simple models like paper airplanes or balloons to explain how these forces interact (optional).
• Energy and Efficiency: Discuss the concept of energy consumption, efficiency, and its crucial role in aviation. Explore the use of fossil fuels in powering airplanes and highlight their environmental impact.

Challenge Introduction and Research (30 minutes):

• Environmental Concerns: Introduce the concept of sustainability and the environmental challenges faced by the aviation industry.
• Challenge Selection: Introduce information cards outlining different future aviation challenges with a scientific focus (e.g., “Develop a lighter and stronger material for aircraft construction to reduce weight and fuel consumption”).
• Research Time: Divide students into small groups of 2-3 and assign a specific challenge card to each group. Provide them with access to reliable online resources or library materials relevant to their assigned challenge. Encourage them to research the scientific principles involved, explore existing solutions or technologies, and brainstorm potential strategies.
• Group Work and Design Development (30 minutes):
• Solution Development: Using their research findings, each group develops a solution to address their assigned aviation challenge. This could involve alternative fuel options, innovative aircraft designs, or advancements in materials science.
• Scientific Basis: Emphasise the importance of scientific evidence and reasoning behind their proposed solution. Encourage them to explain how their solution addresses the scientific principles involved in flight and fuels.
• Scientific Drawings or Models (Optional): Depending on the chosen challenge, students can create basic scientific drawings or models to visualise their solution.

Create basic scientific drawings or models to visualise their solution.

Presentations and Class Discussion (30 minutes):

• Group Presentations: Each group presents their assigned challenge, their proposed solution, and its scientific basis. Encourage clear communication and technical vocabulary usage.
• Peer Review and Discussion: Allocate time for questions and constructive feedback from other groups, focusing on the scientific reasoning behind their solution.
• Class Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion about the different scientific principles and technological limitations involved in achieving a sustainable future for aviation.
• Reflection: Briefly discuss the importance of scientific advancements and collaboration in tackling complex environmental challenges.

Assessment:

• Observe students’ understanding of the scientific principles of flight and energy consumption.
• Evaluate the scientific reasoning and evidence presented in their research and proposed solutions.
• Assess the clarity, accuracy, and technical language used in their presentations.
• Conduct a short quiz to gauge their understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.

Extension Activities:

• Research and compare the properties of different alternative fuels, such as biofuels or hydrogen, and their potential for aviation.
• Investigate the role of new materials science in developing lightweight and high-strength materials for aircraft construction.
• Design a poster campaign aimed at raising awareness of the scientific principles behind sustainable aviation practices.