Students learn the basics of flight through hands-on activities

In the course, Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics, students worked in teams to design, build and flight-test a balsa wood glider from scratch.

The class Introduction to Aeronautics and Astronautics, led by Ken Hara (https://profiles.stanford.edu/kenhara), assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics, introduces the basics of this field through applied physics, hands-on activities and real-world examples.

During one special day in spring quarter, 20 teams of students assembled atop the steps of the Hugh Hildreth Skilling Building to flight-test balsa woods gliders that they designed and built from scratch. Sonia Travaglini (https://profiles.stanford.edu/drsonia), the skilling and learning specialist in aeronautics & astronautics engineering, assisted the students with their glider construction and, along with Hara, served as judge for the competition.

See images of the project

Teams of students flight-test balsa woods gliders that they designed and built from scratch. Photos by Andrew Brodhead. Click on any photo to start the gallery.