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Is the Airplane a Complex Machine?

Project "Innovations in VET education" is co-funded by the European Union

Introduction to the WebQuest topic
Information for the Teacher

Introduction to the WebQuest topic

Aviation has undergone an incredibly dynamic transformation in just 100 years. From simple flying machines, through monoplanes, to today’s wide-body aircraft like the Dreamliner and passenger planes that can carry over 800 people in a single flight (Airbus A380).

In recent decades, flying has become a normal part of our daily life, despite the fact that only 5% of the global population has ever flown.

The first regular passenger airplane made its maiden flight on New Year's Day in 1914, covering a 34-kilometer route over Tampa Bay in Florida.

An average Boeing 747 has over 240 kilometers of wiring inside. However, the longest wiring inside an airplane is found in the double-deck Airbus A380, with around 500 kilometers.

Informacje dla nauczyciela

The WebQuest is intended for students in vocational schools and technical colleges specializing in machine construction or mechatronics. Its aim is to introduce students to the construction of machines using passenger airplanes as an example of one of the most complex machines.

Students will work in groups, each preparing a multimedia presentation.

Through the WebQuest, students will:

• Learn about the history of passenger aviation

• Learn how passenger airplanes are built

• Learn how many parts an airplane consists of

• Learn about safety procedures in passenger aviation

• Learn how the approach to designing passenger airplanes has changed

Students will work both independently (gathering information) and in groups (creating a presentation). This will allow them to practice both group and individual work. The work will be done under time pressure.

Suggested time for implementing the WebQuest:

Students will work on the project for 12 lesson hours.

Evaluation Criteria:

The assessment will be based on the extent to which the topic is covered. Students should be guided toward the appropriate knowledge to achieve the highest grade (5). Exceeding this level will result in a grade of 6.

Evaluation:

The teacher will help students analyze the content with them until it is fully understood. They will assist with advice, explanations, and guidance, rather than providing ready-made solutions. This method is a good way to encourage independent action and creative thinking.

• The teacher should carefully analyze the content with students until they fully understand it. The teacher should focus on providing help, advice, and explanations, rather than giving ready-made solutions. This method fosters independent work and creative thinking.

• Group division can be done based on various criteria, such as cognitive abilities, skills, or interests, to balance the workload across the groups.

• The teacher can assist students working in groups by asking guiding questions. It’s important to remember that they are learning a new way of working (the process).

• The teacher should provide specific information regarding the evaluation of student performance, both during group work and when summarizing the results.

• The time allocated for the project should be adapted to the students' abilities. It is not pre-determined. The time frames for each phase should be treated as an approximation.

TASK

You will divide into 4 groups. Each group will take on the role of engineers working at an airplane manufacturing company. Each group will prepare a presentation containing information about:

• Safety procedures in passenger aviation

• The construction of a passenger airplane

• The construction of an airplane in terms of the number of parts and components required to build a passenger airplane

• Interesting facts about passenger airplanes, e.g., the longest flight, maximum number of passengers in an airplane, fuel consumption, cruising altitude, etc.

Why will you be working in groups?

Because each group will be gathering information on different parameters necessary to build a safe passenger airplane for airline use.

The human desire to soar into the skies has existed since ancient times. Humans have always wanted to fly, as shown in the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Daedalus was a versatile artist, architect, sculptor, and inventor of complex mechanisms. He worked at the court of King Minos. More modern attempts at building a flying machine date back to the 15th century and the brilliant artist Leonardo da Vinci. Despite his meticulous research, he could not construct a machine capable of lifting him into the skies. He only created early designs for flying ships: hot air balloons, ornithopters, helicopters, and parachutes. The solution to the problem came only in the 19th century. The first attempts involved balloon flights, carried out by the Montgolfier brothers in 1783, who filled a large paper balloon with hot air.

Increasingly, engines were added to the designs. However, the real breakthrough came with the use of the internal combustion engine. Interestingly, research is currently being conducted on designing an aircraft engine powered by gas.

The first controlled engine-powered flight was made by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, in Kitty Hawk in December 1903—over 100 years ago. The 40-meter flight of their biplane proved to be revolutionary for the development of aviation. Since then, engineers have built machines that have set speed records, exceeding the speed of sound multiple times.

The rapid development of aviation occurred during World War I. In 1914, the airplane was no longer just a hobby but began its use in the military. Biplanes dominated at that time. By the end of the war, airplanes had become more complex and, most importantly, reliable. After the war, the construction of powerful, streamlined aircraft began, using multi-cylinder engines.

The significance of air transport in the development of today’s world is undeniable. Although in recent times, we use airplanes less frequently, it is estimated that in 2019, over 4.5 billion passengers were transported by airplanes. Aviation is not only a mode of transportation, but also a vast industry, technology, and science branch, and one of the driving forces of our civilization.

Stage 1: Introduction to the task

• Based on my introduction to the topic and available resources, familiarize yourself with the content of this WebQuest.

• I will gladly assist you by pointing out useful sources for preparing your presentations.

• Remember to share your own thoughts in your work, but base them on verifiable sources.

Stage 2: Working on presentations

• You will divide into 4 groups, each working on one topic.

• I will discuss the assigned topic with each group and help plan the work. I will verify your preliminary ideas.

• Remember, your presentations will be presented to the class and will serve as a starting point for further discussions.

• First, collect information. Then, decide how to present it attractively. Finally, establish the informational content.

• Remember, both the informational value and the aesthetic quality of your work will be assessed.

Stage 3: Discussion

• Based on your presentations, we will have a discussion to check what you have learned from the presentations given in the previous stage.

• This will help you systematize the knowledge.

• You will have the chance to ask questions and share your opinions.

Stage 4: Evaluation

• Throughout the entire process, you will be observed.

• I will assess both your involvement in the presentation and in the discussion.

• You will be evaluated based on clear criteria, the same for everyone.

Work Steps and Time

2h

Stage 1

4h

Stage 2

4h

Stage 3

2h

Stage 4

Points	2	3	4
Content Quality	Work is weak in terms of content. Missing elements.	Work is good in terms of content. Minor or no errors.	Work is excellent in terms of content. Correct, engaging information.
Presentation of Work	• Presentation is unclear, superficial, and not engaging. • Lack of participation in discussion.	• Presentation is clear, good, and interesting. • The student participates in discussions but with limited input.	• Presentation is attractive, thorough, and engaging. • The student actively participates in discussions and contributes significantly.
Aesthetic Impressions	• Work is unclear, untidy, and poorly executed. • Poor arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is clear, neat, and carefully done. • Good arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is aesthetically pleasing, clear, and highly polished. It stands out visually. • Excellent arrangement of elements on the page.
Group Work	Lack of involvement of all group members in work and creative collaboration.	Good involvement of all group members. Satisfactory collaboration skills.	Full engagement of all group members. Excellent cooperation and motivation within the group.