Aerodynamics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can adapt a design to make it more effective.
Key learning points
- The body of a vehicle is the outer shell which sits on the chassis.
- Aerodynamics reduce drag and fuel consumption.
- Car designers test and consider the chassis and body for best performance.
- A car body design needs to be shaped to consider aerodynamics.
Keywords
Aerodynamics - the way air moves around an object
Body - the main structure of a vehicle built on to a chassis
Performance - how well something works
Drag - air pushing against a moving object
Common misconception
The shape of a vehicle has no effect on its speed.
Vehicle shape is considered in order to reduce air resistance (less drag).
Teacher tip
Pupils will need access to the electrical circuit on the chassis. It is recommended that the back of the vehicle is left open for access.
Equipment
Please see 'Additional Material' document for a list of tools and resources needed for this lesson.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Pushes and pulls are .
Q2. can change an object's speed, direction, and/or shape.
Q3.Which of these are a type of force?
Q4.Which types of forces occur when objects are touching each other?
Q5.What is the type of force that acts between two surfaces trying to move across each other?
Q6.What is one reason a pulley might not turn properly?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.The force caused by air moving against the surface of an object is .
Q2.Match the keywords with their meanings.
how air flows around an object
outer shell of the vehicle
air pushing against a moving object
how well something works
Q3. helps reduce air resistance and make cars move more smoothly.
Q4.Put the steps in order for designing a car for performance.
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Aerodynamics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Aerodynamics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the Pulleys and gears: electric vehicles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.