Up, Up, and Away: The Physics of Flight at iFLY

The STEM students' field trip to iFLY in Montgomery brought abstract physics lessons to life as they experienced the forces of flight firsthand in the vertical wind tunnel. Guided by their instructor, they learned about aerodynamics and Newton's Laws, experimenting with different body positions to control lift, drag, and movement. Initial wobbles quickly transformed into exhilarated glides and controlled maneuvers, allowing them to grasp concepts such as pitch, yaw, and roll in a tangible way.

STEM Educational Trip to iFly

During the post-flight debrief, students buzzed with excitement as they shared their experiences of feeling lift and understanding drag through direct engagement. This hands-on experience left them with a deep and memorable connection to the practical applications of STEM principles. Many students expressed interest in returning in the future, noting that they had learned a great deal while having fun at the same time.