Which airplane for teenagers to build????

"Andrew" wrote in message
oups.com...
Dear Aviation Enthusiasts,
I teach math in an inner city high school in Southern Illinois.
I've been studying airplane projects to build myself alone but also
have thought about forming a high school aviation club to build an
airplane.
(snip)
Keep in mind though the idea that this is a group high school
project. I'm not sure which type of project that would afford an
opportunity for high school students (rather unskilled) to get
involved with, to contribute to by using their hands.
(snip)
Our high school is known as the East St. Louis "Flyers" being
influenced by a close proximity to St. Louis made famous by Charles
Lindbergh and the "Spirit of St. Louis Airplane."


Thanks,
Andrew

A complete airplane, even a primary glider, is a big project.

Way back (about 40 years ago) in a junior college aerodynamics class, we
"built" little "wings" cut from 3x5 index cards, to demonstrate the effect
of planform. Even with a project that crude; which could be constructed in
about a minute, and balanced with chewing gum or a paper clip, a lot of good
information could be demonstrated. Those were accomplished by simply seeing
that the cut was made in such a way that the leading edge had a nearly
microscopic droop--if you build it backward, the performance will be
radically different.

Obviously, much more can be learned about both construction and results by
making a series of flying wing models that are larger and have thickness and
controlled camber.

Personally, I think that some type of model gliders might give you some
usefull results while you are evaluating the learning curve of your
students.

I hope this helps,
Peter