✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can identify tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion, and distributed loads in aerospace structures.
Main Activity
Analyze wings, trusses, landing gear, towers, and payload supports to determine what loads each structure must carry.
Deliverable
Load type identification chart and annotated structure sketch
Tools / Materials
Notebook, example structure images, VEX or model structure parts
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
A structure cannot be designed well until the loads are understood. Aerospace structures may experience weight, thrust, drag, lift, impact, vibration, bending, twisting, and support reactions.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
Common structural loads include tension, compression, shear, bending, torsion, and distributed loading. Each load type affects material and geometry choices differently.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Annotate a wing, launch tower, payload mount, or landing gear example with the load types acting on it. Use arrows and labels to explain direction and effect.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Complete a load identification chart that connects each load type to one aerospace example and one possible design response.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
A strong structural explanation includes both what the force is called and what it tries to do to the part.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, force diagrams, calculations, structural layouts, and test planning.
Open ResourceMeasurement Data Sheet
Use for load tests, material tests, mass measurements, dimensions, and observations.
Open ResourceEngineering Resource Library
Templates, reference sheets, sketch paper, and course support files.
Open Resource