Understanding Gliders: A Beginner's Quiz

Jermell is learning about different types of aircrafts in his science class. He is curious about gliders. What is a glider?

• A type of fast jet

• An aircraft with no engine

• A hot air balloon

• A rocket ship

During a school project on flight, Jamaya , Mecca and Hannah are discussing the simplest type of glider to model. Which of the following would they consider the simplest?

• Sailplanes

• Jet planes

• Paper airplanes

• Hang-gliders

What material is used to make inexpensive toy gliders?

• Balsa wood or Styrofoam

• Plastic

• Metal

• Rubber

What do hang-gliders and sailplanes have in common?

• Both are made of paper

• Both use jet fuel

• Both are rockets

• Both have no engine

During a school science project, Nicholette and Jaden built a model of the Space Shuttle. How does their model function when returning to Earth?

• As a glider

• Using solar wings

• With full engine power

• Using a parachute

What force is missing in gliders that is present in powered aircraft?

• Gravity

• Thrust

• Electricity

• Magnetism

How do gliders generate lift?

• By using engines

• By staying stationary

• By spinning

• By moving through the air

During a field trip, Tyler is learning to hang-glide. What should Tyler do to start flying?

• Run and jump off a hill

• Pedal a bicycle

• Float on a lake

• Be dropped from a helicopter

During a school field trip, Kevin and McKynlee observed gliders in the sky. What natural phenomenon helps these gliders stay aloft for extended periods?

• Updrafts

• Snow

• Rain

• Lightning

What are thermals?

• Cloud formations

• Cold air sinks

• Rising pockets of hot air

• Nighttime breezes