Evolution and ... Revolution!

Evolution and ... Revolution! is a series of detailed STEM investigations for secondary-school pupils, inspired by the aircraft and vehicles at the Shuttleworth Aviation Museum in Old Warden, Bedfordshire.

Each investigation looks at a historical topic from a modern perspective.

We cover

• The History,  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics of the topic

and include

• Activities for the student, both hands-on and Computer-based.

1 - Sir George Cayley

the "Father of Aeronautics"

George's scientific approach

2 - Otto Lilienthal

"Birdflight as the basis of Aviation"

Otto's mathematical approach

3 - Control Surfaces

Mastering the flight envelope

4 - Rotary Engines

Odd but fascinating WWI powerplants

5 - Air Race Handicapping

Formulas, mostly getting the wrong answers

6 - Undercarriage Design

Why did this undercarriage keep collapsing?

7 - Wing Flutter

What causes wings to vibrate alarmingly? 

8 - The R101

and other lighter-than-air disasters 

9 - Radial Engines

Sturdy workhorses

10 - Magnificent Merlins

Powering the Spitfire, Hurricane and evolving

11 - The DH Goblin

A truly revolutionary aero engine

12 - Aviation Medicine

Weird things can happen to people in aeroplanes