Abstract:

To captivate the minds of primary school children, a simple experiment in which it is shown how the lift force of a wing is developed, was presented at the Vini Cubi School Science Fair in Mexico City. The main objective was to promote the curiosity and interest in the science behind aeronautical engineering to young primary pupils. With a concise and simple explanation, we introduce the four fundamental forces acting on an airplane during flight: thrust, gravity, drag, and lift. Through images and animations, we illustrated how these forces interact with each other. Lift is the force that generated more interest in the children, as it emerges as the force that compensates the force of gravity and provides the ability to fly through the skies, so it was emphasised. We then did a captivating experiment that demonstrated the fundamental role of wings in the generation of lift. Utilizing a section of polystyrene wing attached to a bar, with vertical movement along this bar, we showcased the interaction between airflow and the wing. Using an air dryer, a stream of air was generated which, passing through the mechanism, showed that the wing "floated" due to lift. This experiment not only attracted attention but also invited active participation of the audience, dispelling any notion of trickery. The children's enthusiasm and fascination at the conclusion of the experiment confirmed the success of its objective. By employing interactive demonstrations and simple explanations this presentation stimulated the curiosity of young learners, who may be a new generation of aeronautical engineers.

Keywords:

Aeronautical engineering, sensibilisation, elementary school children, science education.