Classroom Experiments

Each ATC Problem begins with a classroom experiment.

In this small-group activity, students set up the experiment by marking off jet routes on the classroom floor or on an outdoor area.
Picture of students pushing airplanes on mock routes marked off on Gym floor

To conduct the experiment, students assume the roles of pilots, air traffic controllers, and NASA scientists.

  • The pilots step down the jet route at a prescribed pace.
  • The air traffic controllers set the pace and record the time when the first plane arrives at the intersection (ATC Problems 1-4) or when the trailing plane overtakes the leading plane (ATC Problem 5).
  • The NASA scientists track and record the pilots' distances along the jet route.

For more information about the classroom experiment, see the FlyBy MathTM Educator Guide.