Subject Area: Computer Applications
Grade Level: 9 - 12
National Technology Standards:
A future supersonic transport will have to meet the same stringent airport noise regulations that will apply to subsonic transports. That requirement poses tough engineering challenges, and NASA Glenn Research Center scientists are hard at work to produce engines that will meet these tough standards.
Supersonic aircraft use low bypass turbofans or turbojets with afterburners. And these engines are very noisy. For this reason, airports that will host the new High-Speed Civil Transports must be located away from populations and at-risk environments.
The goal of today's high-speed research is to provide supersonic transportation between Los Angeles and Tokyo in order to meet the needs of the growing economic markets in Asia. It is hoped that such transportation will be commercially feasible by the year 2030. Airports have about 30 years to get ready!
Use your computer skills to research airport feasibility for surpersonic transportation by completing the activity Sh-h-h-h, Dealing with Airport Noise and present your findings using a presentation software package.
Assessment: You will be evaluated on the creativity and thoroughness of your presentation.
You will be able to use the World Wide Web to access additional information needed to complete the activity. You will be able to present your information in a visually interesting format using a presentation software package.
Submitted by: Paula M. Brinkmann, Lutheran High School West, Rocky River, Ohio