NASA, National Geographic Studios and a new film narrated by Harrison Ford are helping educators re-connect students with the fascinating science of flight.
On April 10, science centers and museums and theatres will begin showing “Living in the Age of Airplanes.” Filmed in 18 countries across all 7 continents, the visually stunning film tells the story of how – in the relative blink of an eye – air transportation has entered the scene and changed forever how humans connect with others, reach far-flung places, and access products from many different countries.
In cooperation with National Geographic, NASA Aeronautics has provided an Educator Resource Guide – a core education package of standards-based lessons — that supports the themes of “Living in the Age of Airplanes.” The film illustrates how much the world needs aviation, and how NASA is committed to making it more Earth-friendly, to maintaining safety in more crowded skies, and paving the way to revolutionary aircraft shapes and propulsion.
The guide provides activities that teachers of Pre-K through grade 12 can use to explore the social and scientific advances in the speed and distance of human travel. National Geographic will provide the guide to educators and offer it through their education and film websites.
From comparing walking speeds to flying speeds and calculating how long it will take to reach certain destinations, to playing an air cargo game and exploring the online Smart Skies world, the guide’s activities will show students how air transportation has changed the world.
As educators, our goal is to bring the same sense of amazement we get from watching this film back to the classroom to inspire a new generation of dreamers. This guide provides the opportunity to engage with hands-on, minds-on activities that address many of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, as well as the Next Generation Science Standards associated with Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts.
Rebecca Vieyra
NASA Aeronautics Einstein Fellow Astronaut
Topics include the math and physics of motion, the math of map-mapping and air traffic control, and the economics of world trade by air cargo. A list of supplementary educational resources from NASA Aeronautics and links to ongoing research in aviation are also provided.
There is even a storybook called “With You When You Fly,” which teachers – formal and informal – can use to engage children about the wonder of flight.
“Living in the Age of Airplanes” was produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger and features an original score by Academy Award-winning composer James Horner. It will open at a number of giant screen, digital and IMAX digital cinemas on April 10 and continue to open at more locations in coming months. A list of current and upcoming locations is provided at the film’s website.
