Today is Wright Brothers Day. And we’re learning about amazing airplanes.
On December 17, 1903, almost 120 years ago the Wright brothers were able to make their first successful flight.
It was completed in the 1903 Wright Flyer in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with Orville Wright manning the controls.
What an amazing thing it must have been to see that sight!
Flying objects are things we take for granted because it is so commonplace now.
Wright Brothers Airplane
Their plane was a Canard biplane with a 12-horsepower Wright horizontal four-cylinder engine driving two pusher propellers via a sprocket-and-chain transmission.
And there were no wheels, linear skids acted as landing gear.
Also, it was a natural fabric finish – no sealant or paint of any kind.
With a wingspan of 40 ft 4 in, a length of 21 ft. 1 in. and it weighed 605 lbs. without a pilot.
We are going to paint and put together a simple old fashioned plane similar to the 1903 Wright Flyer.
Using some hot glue and wooden craft sticks (popsicle sticks) that you can customize by creating it in different sizes as well as colors.
First, look at some of these books to add to your study.
6 Resources for Learning About Flying Things
Use one of these books to study about airplanes or things that fly.
As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical. As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success by working with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on. As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the fascinating story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher!
Take to the skies with this fun, visual miscellany for younger children who love anything related to airplanes and flying!
The Wright brothers were the first people ever to build and fly an airplane, doing what many people at the time didn’t think was possible. Before they made history with their airplane, Wilbur and Orville were curious kids who loved learning about the world around them and how it worked. They fell in love with the idea of flying and taught themselves everything they needed to know to make their dream come true.
On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot.
From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation
n the sky themed figurines by Safari Ltd. Airplanes, blimp, helicopter, hot air balloon, space shuttle and more replicas have been handpainted and researched for accuracy. Pieces come in a clear toob with a globe top and facts on the inside. These figures are perfect for displays, playing pretend, and more! 12 pieces per package.
Also, hands-on learning makes a subject come to life.
Hands-on Activities for Flying Things
Learning about the Wright Brothers and their Wright Flyer is a great springboard for learning about other things that fly, including:
- Hot Air Balloons
- Blimps
- Space Shuttle. Look at my Exploring Space and Astronomy Unit Study. and learn how to make a straw rocket
- Parachutes. Look at this STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity.
- Stunt Planes
- Executive Airplanes
- Helicopters
- Concorde Jet
Have children research via books or the internet who invented each and when. If you like, have them choose one and research it deeper.
Call your local airport and see if they offer tours for groups and schedule a field trip for your co-op or group of friends. You may have even better luck at smaller private airports.
Especially for younger children, the figures in Safari Ltd. In The Sky Toob are perfect for hands-on activities.
For instance, look at these ways to use the sky figures.
- create an up in the air sensory bin,
- a flying things diorama,
- you can add them to the block center
- use as a model for pencil drawings or
- include them in a themed basket for things that fly.
Another way you can use them is to have your child place them in order of when each was invented.
Further, make paper airplanes and see who can fly them the farthest, measure the distances to include some simple math naturally into your day.
You can even add on an airplane launcher to really get them moving.
Last, make an egg carton helicopter that littles will love.
How to Make an Amazing Wooden Airplane
Now, let’s make this fun wooden airplane.
Short list of supplies
- 2 sizes wooden craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
- wooden spools
- Craft paint
- paintbrushes/foam brush
- Hot glue gun/sticks
Directions:
Paint 2 large wooden craft sticks and 2 small ones the same color, or you can leave them unfinished in the natural color like the Wright Brothers plane was.
Paint a third small craft stick another color for the propeller.
Stack 5 or 6 craft sticks together and secure between each with hot glue. Once the glue hardens and dries, paint the stack the color you chose for the body.
Allow paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Once everything is dry, you are ready to assemble.
Place your stacked pieces vertically in front of you.
Then attach one large stick to the top and underside of the front of the stack centered about 1” down to create a nose for the plane.
At the opposite end of the stack glue a smaller wood craft stick on top and underneath.
Finally, hot glue your propeller in place on the nose.
At this point, you may want to trim your craft stick down a bit to make a smaller propeller using loppers or strong scissors to make it smaller.
As an extra step if you like you can glue two small beads or wooden objects under the wings to tip it upwards to allow it to sit and a slant, making it better for display.
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