This module can be used in the following courses - 

1. Fluid Dynamics

2. Aerodynamics

3. Materials (for concepts such as elasiticity, stress-strain, etc.) (This is not a part of the current card)

1. Module Overview

In this module, the students will learn about drag force and drag coefficient in the context of palm trees. Palm trees have evolved in tropical and subtropical regions where strong storms are common. Over time, they developed structural and physiological traits to survive even category 5 hurricanes. By changing shape and morphing to be more streamlined, the overall drag coefficient and drag force are reduced, which helps them survive hurricanes. 

2. EM Integration

The module starts with a Question Formulation Technique (QFT) type activity based to engage students curiosity on a picture of hurricane devastated area in Florida. Then, the questions related to the things that survived the hurricanes are filtered and a video is shown to students that portrays the devastating effects of hurricane. Students then use chatGPT to learn about the economic, societal, and emotional impact of hurricanes on society and discuss in groups about the impact they found more profound. Then they formualte a hypothesis as to HOW the palm trees are able to survive the hurricane. The students will get introduced to drag coefficient and drag force where they calculate the overall drag experienced by a palm tree before and after the hurricane due to the shape morphing. After going through the drag calculation, the students will think about how the morphing occurs in palm trees and how to use this technique to better design hurricane-resistant houses, aircraft, and other devices to improve its performance.