Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of supersonic travel. Please consider the following:
- Have you ever traveled by plane and wished you could reach your destination faster?
- What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of traveling at supersonic speeds?
- Can you imagine what it would be like to fly from New York to London in under 3 hours?
- How do you think supersonic travel could change the way we live and work?
- What are some potential challenges or concerns you have about supersonic travel?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please consider the following questions:
- What is the main subject of the image?
- What features or details stand out to you in the image?
- How does the image relate to the topic of supersonic travel?
Introduction:
Please read the introduction to the activity, which provides an overview of supersonic travel and the development of the Overture concept by Boom Supersonic.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, which can be found at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/inside-the-worlds-fastest-passenger-plane/. As you watch the video, please pause at the following points and consider the questions:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What are your initial impressions of the Overture concept? What features or technologies seem most innovative or exciting to you?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: How does the XV-1 subscale test jet contribute to the development of the Overture concept? What challenges or obstacles do you think the team might face in testing and refining the design?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of supersonic travel? How might it change the way we travel or conduct business?
Key Vocabulary:
The following vocabulary terms are relevant to the activity:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Supersonic | Traveling at speeds greater than the speed of sound (approximately 768 mph or 1,236 km/h) | The Concorde was a supersonic jet that could travel from New York to London in under 3 hours. |
| Sonic Boom | A sudden, sharp noise produced by an object breaking the sound barrier | The Concorde’s sonic booms were a major concern for residents near airports. |
| Net-Zero Carbon Emissions | The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to zero, or offsetting emissions through other means | Boom Supersonic’s Overture concept aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. |
| Delta Wing | A type of wing design that is triangular in shape, providing stability and maneuverability | The XV-1 features a delta wing design, allowing for increased stability at high speeds. |
| Ogive Wing Shape | A type of wing design that is curved, resembling a Coke bottle shape, providing reduced drag and increased efficiency | The XV-1’s ogive wing shape helps to minimize drag and maximize speed. |
| Mach Number | A measure of an object’s speed relative to the speed of sound, with Mach 1 being the speed of sound | The XV-1 reached a Mach number of 1.1, breaking the sound barrier. |
| Flight Simulator | A device or system that mimics the experience of flying an aircraft, used for training and testing purposes | The Sim is a flight simulator that provides a realistic experience of flying the XV-1. |
| Subscale Test Jet | A smaller-scale version of an aircraft, used for testing and development purposes | The XV-1 is a subscale test jet for Boom Supersonic’s Overture concept. |
| Carbon Fiber | A lightweight, strong material used in aircraft construction, providing improved strength-to-weight ratio | The XV-1 features carbon fiber components for reduced weight and increased strength. |
| Titanium | A strong, lightweight metal used in aircraft construction, providing high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance | The XV-1 features titanium components for improved strength and thermal resistance. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Please complete the vocabulary quiz to test your understanding of the key terms:
- Which word means ‘exceeding the speed of sound’?
- A) Subsonic
- B) Supersonic
- C) Transonic
- D) Hypersonic
- What is the primary goal of Boom Supersonic’s Overture concept?
- A) To develop a jet that can fly from New York to London in under 2 hours
- B) To create a next-generation airliner designed for net-zero carbon emissions
- C) To build a jet that can break the sound barrier at Mach 2
- D) To design a plane with a unique ogive wing shape
- What material is used in the XV-1 for thermal and strength reasons?
- A) Aluminum and steel
- B) Carbon fiber and titanium
- C) Wood and plastic
- D) Copper and bronze
- What is the name of Boom Supersonic’s subscale test jet?
- A) Overture
- B) Concorde
- C) XV-1
- D) XB1
- At what speed is the sound barrier broken?
- A) Mach 0.5, or 600 kmph
- B) Mach 1, or 1200 kmph
- C) Mach 1.5, or 1800 kmph
- D) Mach 2, or 2400 kmph
Answer Key:
- B) Supersonic
- B) To create a next-generation airliner designed for net-zero carbon emissions
- B) Carbon fiber and titanium
- C) XV-1
- B) Mach 1, or 1200 kmph
Grammar Focus:
The present perfect tense is used to describe experiences and achievements that started in the past and continue up to the present moment. Please consider the following examples:
- Mike Bannister has accumulated nearly 10,000 hours on Concorde.
- Boom Supersonic has been developing a supersonic passenger jet.
Grammar Quiz:
Please complete the grammar quiz to test your understanding of the present perfect tense:
- By the time Mike Bannister stopped flying the