Create an Aviation Unit Study for Your Homeschool
Why Study Aviation?
This is a fascinating subject that can inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in children of all ages. Whether your child dreams of becoming a pilot, is intrigued by the science of flight, or simply loves learning about history, a unit study is a fantastic way to integrate multiple subjects into a cohesive and engaging learning experience.
I have a son who has been interested in airplanes from the time he was very young. He’s gone through a variety of phases over the life of his fascination with flight, including an “I want to build all the model airplanes” phase, an “I’m going to collect every book on planes of WWII” phase, and a “Let’s visit every plane museum in California” phase. (We took a special trip to San Diego just to visit the Air and Space Museum and the USS Midway … and I think I enjoyed that trip every bit as much as my boys!)
Studying aviation provides students with insights into science, history, geography, and even economics. It paves the way to a deeper understanding of aerodynamics and teaches your child about human ingenuity and technological advancements.
Learning about aeronautics and flight can even introduce your kids to exciting career paths in engineering, piloting, and aerospace technology! After all, their interest might be a passing phase, or it might lead to an actual career in this area.
Outline for Your Aviation Unit Study
Below is a structured outline to help guide your homeschool unit study, which you’ll also find as a separate printable below. You can tailor this study to fit the ages and interests of your children, incorporating hands-on activities, research projects, and field trips.
1. Create an Introduction to Aviation
- Offer your kids a definition and overview
- Find books with information about the history of flight
- Share facts about the importance of aviation in modern society
2. Learn about the Early Pioneers of Flight
- Study the Wright Brothers and the first powered flight
- Teach your kids important characters in flight history such as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, and others
- Study innovations in early aircraft design, and the challenges and triumphs in early aviation
3. Explore Women in Aviation
- If you have daughters interested in this topic, make sure they learn about Bessie Coleman, Jacqueline Cochran, and other trailblazers
- Even your boys should learn about the contributions of women in aerospace engineering
- You might also look into the facts of modern-day women pilots and astronauts
4. Study the Types of Aircraft
- Explore the differences between commercial airliners and military aircraft
- Look into the use of private planes
- Research experimental and future aircraft designs
5. Read about the Principles of Flight
In a unit study, your homeschoolers should learn basics such as:
- Aerodynamics and lift
- Propulsion systems (jet engines, propellers)
- Control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudders)
- Forces affecting flight (gravity, thrust, drag)
6. Study Flight History and Milestones
- Explore major flight achievements and records
- Look into the Space Race and human spaceflight
- Influential aeronautics events and accidents
- Consider the role of aviation in World Wars with books such as The Bomber Boys and RAF Fighter Pilots in WWII
7. Older Children Can Learn about Careers in Aviation
- Pilot careers (commercial, military, private)
- Air traffic control and aviation management
- Aircraft maintenance and engineering
- Aerospace engineering and design
8. Study the Basics of Flight Instruments and Navigation
- Cockpit instruments and their functions
- Navigation systems (GPS, navigational aids)
- Air traffic control and communication
- The importance of understanding weather for flight
9. Technology and Innovations
- Advances in aircraft materials
- Modern aircraft systems (fly-by-wire, avionics)
- Impact of computers and automation in aeronautics
- Emerging technologies (supersonic flight)
10. Famous Aviators and Astronauts
- Chuck Yeager, Bessie Coleman, and other notable pilots
- Space pioneers like Neil Armstrong and Yuri Gagarin
- Modern-day astronauts and space explorers
11. Hands-On Activities and Projects
This will probably be one of the favorite parts of this unit study for some of your children, especially the younger ones, so make sure you incorporate this into your homeschooling!
- Build a model aircraft or drones
- Younger children can make this TP Roll Airplane Craft
- Conduct weather experiments and aviation challenges
- Simulate a flight in a flight simulator
- Research and present on a notable aviator or astronaut
12. Field Trips and Guest Speakers
- Visit a local airport or aviation museum (If it’s not too far, try planning a trip to San Diego, which has a lot to do! We visited the Air and Space Museum and the USS Midway, as we only stayed one night, but if you’re on a longer field trip, there are plenty of airplane museums, art museums, and all kinds of places — even Legoland!)
- Invite a pilot, astronaut, or aeronautics professional to speak to your kids or at a homeschool co-op
Incorporating Aviation into Core Subjects
Aviation is a multidisciplinary subject that can be integrated into various academic areas. Here are some ways that the above ideas fit into topical areas by subject:
- Math: Explore aerodynamics, lift and drag forces, navigation calculations, and fuel efficiency.
- Science: Conduct experiments on propulsion systems, atmospheric conditions, and aerodynamics.
- Art: Illustrate aircraft designs, create aviation history posters, or design futuristic planes.
- Literature: Read books and memoirs about aviation pioneers and historical events.
- Social Studies: Study the cultural and global impact of aviation and its role in international relations.
- Technology: Investigate aviation innovations, avionics systems, and virtual flight simulations.
- Physical Education (PE): Learn about the physical demands on pilots and the effects of altitude on the body.
- Geography: Study flight routes, airports, and how geography impacts navigation.
- Economics: Discuss the financial aspects of aeronautics, its impact on local communities, and its role in global trade.
Download the Printable Unit Study Outline on Aviation
An aviation unit study is an excellent way to make learning fun and meaningful while covering a broad range of academic subjects. Whether through books, projects, experiments, or hands-on activities, this topic can inspire curiosity and a love for learning. Take advantage of local resources, online simulations, and field trips to make the study even more immersive.
