National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Washington, DC 20546-0001

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch

www.nasa.gov

NP-2017-09-2456-HQ

Glider Elevon

Elevon

Wing

cut wing slot

Fuselage

Penny

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Acknowledgments

Thanks to the High Flyers Alphabet Activity Book team for their invaluable suggestions 

and fortitude to see this book come to fruition. Thanks also to the teachers who provided 

our team with ideas and feedback and, most important, the NASA Headquarters 

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate for funding this outreach activity.

Team Members

Brontie DeFreitas-Fox,Communications Support Services Center

Carol Galica, Office of Educational Programs

Kelly Ison, Subsonic Systems Office

Shanessa Jackson, Office of Educational Programs

Susan Johnson, Subsonic Systems Office

Jenay Sharp Leach, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Education

Marge Lehky, Office of Educational Programs

Kelly Shankland, Logistics and Technical Information Division

Linda Skrada, Subsonic Systems Office

Tony Springer, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Education

Renee Yoder, Office of Educational Programs
Introduction

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducts research for both aeronautics 

and space. This High Flyers Alphabet Activity book has been created to introduce several basic 

aeronautics terms for children in kindergarten through second grade. We want them to realize that 

many aeronautics terms and concepts surround them every day. These activities show how an 

alphabet letter can be related to both an aeronautics concept and basic aeronautics terms. In 

addition, children are invited to look at each letter, trace the letter, and print the letter in the space 

provided. Answers to the activities can be found on the last few pages of this book.

About NASA

We’ve made decades of contributions to aviation; every U.S. aircraft and U.S. air traffic control tower 

has NASA-developed technology on board!

We develop advanced technologies for future aircraft that consume only half as much fuel, generate 

only one quarter of current emissions and one third less noise, and for improving the safety and 

efficiency of our national air transportation system.

What’s exciting right now is that we’ve started to design, build and fly a series of new experimental 

aircraft – X-planes – that will prove the dramatic benefits of advanced technologies in piloted flight. 

Follow our X-plane stories and more using the links and social media handles below.

And remember, NASA’s with you when you fly!

NASA Aeronautics

http://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics

NASA Aeronautics Resources, Publications and More

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources

Beginners Guide to Aeronautics

https://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/index.html

Twitter: @NASAaero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nasaaeronautics/

1
Common Core Math and NGSS Science Standards

Educators: The High Flyers Activity Book covers many K-2 content standards including Math, ELA, 

and Science. This chart lists the Common Core and NGSS standards addressed in the use of this 

book. We hope you and your students enjoy the content.

Common Core Math Common Core ELA NGSS

Kindergarten

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.A.3 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.4 K-2-ETS1-2

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.B.5 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.7 K-2-ETS1-3

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.CC.C.6-7 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.1.D

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.KOA.A.1 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.5

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.A.1-2 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1.A

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5.C

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6

Grade 1

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.C.5 CCSS.ELA-LiTERACY.RL.1.7 K-2-ETS1-2

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.1 K-2-ETS1-3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.7

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.10

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.G

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4.A

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.5

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.A

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5.C

Grade 2

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.D.10 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.4 K-2-ETS1-2

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.7 K-2-ETS1-3

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.5A

2
3

aircraft

Draw a line to match each aircraft to its shadow.
4

balloon

Connect the dots and color.

a

b

j

k

l

m

n

g

h

i

o

p

r

q

t

s

v

w

x

u

y

z

c

d e

f
5

clouds Count the pictures you 

see hidden in the clouds.

1
6

down

Follow the line and help the

skydiver guide the parachute

down to the target.
7

engine

0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500

Miles per hour

550

410

1,500

Each aircraft has a different type of engine. The engines 

move aircraft through the air at different speeds. A 

passenger jet flies through the air at about 550 

miles per hour. A smaller private aircraft flies 

through the air at 410 miles per hour. A 

fighter jet flies through the air at 1,500 miles per hour.

The chart below shows how fast each aircraft flies. Use 

the chart to complete the activity on the next page.
8

engines

engine

 1,500 mph

2nd

place

engines

1st

place

550 mph

3rd

place

410 mph

There was an airplane race. Look at the chart that 

tells you how fast these aircraft fly. Draw a line from 

the trophy to the aircraft in the order it finished.
9

fly

Circle the pictures

of the things that fly.

How many did you circle?
10

Materials Needed

Scissors

Cellophane tape

One penny

NASA Glenn Research Center • Cleveland, Ohio

glider

Instructions

1. Cut out the wing and fuselage patterns that can be 

found on the back cover of this book.

2. Carefully cut the wing slot line located on the fuselage. 

Ask an adult to help you if you need help. 

3. Slide the wing into the slot. Make sure the wing’s center 

line lines up with the fuselage.

4. Tape the wing to the fuselage.

5. Tape the penny to the nose of the fuselage for balance.

6. Bend both flaps upward.

7. Gently launch the glider like you would with a paper 

airplane. 
11

COAST

GUARD

COAST

GUARD

COAST

GUARD

COAST

GUARD

COAST

GUARD

COAST

GUARD

helicopters Add the helicopters

in each group.

Military

Coast Guard

Traffic Reporter

Emergency Rescue

+ 

+ 

+ 

= 

= 

= 

+ = 
12

in Draw a line to where the passengers,

luggage, and engine go into the airplane.

passengers

engine

luggage
13

jet

Circle the aircraft

that is not a jet.
14

kite

Color which type of

day would be best

for flying a kite.

sunny snowy

windy rainy
15

 URBAN

GENERAL

HOSPITAL

landing

The aircraft below are landing. Draw a line to show where

each aircraft would land.

seaplane

helicopter

passenger plane
16

mechanic Connect the dots to see what

type of tools a mechanic uses.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

11. 10.

12.

13. 8.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

1. 2.

3.

4.

6. 5.

7.

8. 9. 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16. 17.

23.

24.

25.

26.

22. 20. 21.

19.

18.
17

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1 1

1

1 1 1

1

1

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) logo.

Color parts of the NASA logo numbered 1 blue and 2 red.

NASA

The NASA Insignia (more commonly referred to as the “meatball”) reflects the history and 

tradition of the Agency. The sphere represents a planet, the stars represent space, the 

vector represents aeronautics, and the orbit represents space travel. John Medarelli of 

NASA Glenn Research Center created the insignia.
18

oxygen mask

Does the pilot have his oxygen mask on or off? Under each

picture, circle the word on or off.

How many pilots have their oxygen masks on?

How many pilots have their oxygen masks off?

on off on off on off

on off on off on off
19

0

1

1 1

2

2

3 6 4

7

8

0

0

3

3

100

0

2

3

pilot

A pilot uses instruments in the cockpit to fly. Color the

circles green, the squares red, the triangles yellow, and

the rectangles blue.

KTS FT

KTS FT

13:15
20

quick

2 weeks

2 hours

1 day

3 days

Your family is going on a trip far 

away. Under each picture is the 

time it will take each vehicle to 

get there. Circle the vehicle that 

will get you there the quickest.
21

runway

Start here

Help the airplane find the

runway through the maze.
22

sky

Draw and color at least

three things that can fly

in the sky.
23

takeoff

Write the number under

the matching picture.

1. Loading

2. Takeoff

3. Flying

4. Landing
24

up Circle the object in each group

that does not go up in the air.
25

view To complete the entire view of

the airplane, draw the other half.
26

wing Trace the different wing shapes.

Concorde

Boeing 747

Paper airplane

Wright Brothers

F–18

(Blue Angels)
27

X-plane

X–1

NASA uses test aircraft and space vehicles called X-planes.

X-plane means experimental (X)-plane. Be an engineer

and design your own X-plane in the space below. Give it an

X-number and write it under your plane.

XX–15

X-48
28

you Would you like to take an 

airplane ride? Who would 

you take with you? Draw 

their faces in the windows. 

Don’t forget your face, too!

Where would you go on your airplane ride?
29

zoom

Count the number of

airplanes in each group

as they zoom by.

How many airplanes

did you count in all?
30

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
31

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
32

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
33

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
34

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
35

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
36

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
37

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
38

Aero Adventure Activity Book Practice Page
39

Airplane parts definitions

Wing

generates lift

Engine

generates thrust

Cockpit

command and control

Fuselage (body)

holds parts together

(carries passengers,

cargo, and fuel) Aileron

changes roll

(rotates body)

Elevator

changes pitch

(up and down)

Rudder

changes yaw (side to side)
40

GLOSSARY

Aeronautics

The science of making and flying aircraft.

Aileron

A hinged flap on the back edge of the wing of an airplane; the flap is moved up or down 

to keep the airplane steady or make a turn in the air (refer to picture on page 41).

Aircraft

1. An item that you can fly or float through the air.

2. Any machine for flying.

Airplane

An aircraft that is kept up by the force of air upon its wings and driven forward by a jet 

engine or propeller.

Balloon

A large bag or rubber sack that is filled with air or other gases causing it to rise and float 

in the air.

Clouds

White or gray objects that float in the air and contain tiny water drops.

Cockpit

A place where the pilot or crew sits to control the aircraft (refer to picture on page 41).

Elevator

A part of the tail of an airplane that can be moved to make the airplane go up or down 

(refer to picture on page 41).

Elevon

A control surface on an airplane that combines the functions of an elevator and

an aileron.

Engine

A machine, such as an aircraft engine, that uses energy of some kind to create motion 

and do work (refer to picture on page 41).

Engineer

A person trained and skilled in the design, construction, and use of engines, machines, or 

other devices of industry and everyday life.

Experimental

Having to do with a test or series of tests to find out if something is correct.
41

Fuselage

The main structural body of an aircraft to which the wings and tail are attached (refer to 

picture on page 41).

Glider

An aircraft that has no engine and is carried along by air currents.

Helicopter

A kind of aircraft that has a large propeller fixed on top and no wings; it can be flown 

backward, forward, straight up, and down.

Instrument

A mechanical or electronic measuring device that gives pilots information they need to 

fly their airplanes safely.

Jet

An airplane that moves very quickly and is jet propelled.

Kite

A tethered glider that is lifted by the wind.

Landing

The act of coming down after flying.

Loading

Putting something to be carried into or upon an aircraft.

Luggage

The suitcases, trunks, baggage, and belongings of a passenger.

Mechanic

1. A worker skilled in making, using, or repairing machines, vehicles, and tools.

2. A person who repairs and maintains aircraft.

Oxygen mask

A mask placed over the mouth and nose and through which oxygen is supplied from an 

attached storage tank.

Parachute

A large cloth device that opens up like an umbrella and is used for slowing down a 

person or thing dropping from an airplane.

Passenger

A person traveling in an airplane but not helping to operate it.
42

Pilot

A person who operates an airplane, balloon, or other aircraft.

Propeller

A set of blades driven by an engine that pull or push an airplane through the air.

Runway

A surface on the ground specifically used for aircraft takeoffs and landings.

Rudder

A hinged, vertical flap at the rear of an aircraft; used for steering (refer to picture on 

page 41).

Seaplane

Any airplane designed to land on or take off from water.

Takeoff

The act of rising from the ground, especially in an aircraft.

Vehicle

An object that moves people, such as an automobile, bicycle, or aircraft.

View

A way of seeing or looking at something.

Wing

The part of an airplane that produces lift (refer to picture on page 41).

X-plane

A special vehicle designed for experimental flight tests.

Source definitions:

“Webster’s Student Dictionary,” SMITHMARK Publishers, New York, NY, 1999.

http://www.dictionary.com

“Flight,” The Nature Company Discoveries Library,Time-Life Books, 1995. 

Little Explorers Picture Dictionary from EnchantedLearning.com

http://www.littleexplorers.com/Dictionary.html
43

Answer page

Aa Bb

a

b

j

k

l

m

n

g

h

i o

p

r

q

t s

v

w

x

u

y

z

c

d e

f

Dd

Cc

4

12

3

1

5

Ee Ff

How many did you circle? 4

Hh

4 2 6

2 4 6

3 3 6

5 1 6

Military

Coast Guard

Traffic Reporter

Emergency Rescue

+ 

+ 

+ 

= 

= 

= 

+ = 

I i

Assemble Glider

engines

engine

 1,500 mph

2nd

place

engines

1st

place

550 mph

3rd

place

410 mph

Gg
44

S

w

0

1

1 1

2

2

3 6 4

7

8

0

0

3

3

100

0

2

3

KTS FT

KTS FT

13:15

R

G

B Y

B

B

Y

Y

Y

G

G

G

G

G

G

R

RR

R

R

Start here

Answer page

J j Kk Ll

sunny snowy

windy rainy

 URBAN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Mm Nn Oo

1.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

9.

11. 10.

12.

13. 8.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

2.

3.

4.

6. 5. 7.

8. 9. 10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15. 16. 17.

23.

24.

25. 26.

22. 20. 21.

19.

18.

Pp Qq Rr

pliers screwdriver

Does the pilot have his oxygen mask on or off? Under each

picture, circle the word on or off.

How many pilots have their oxygen masks on?

How many pilots have their oxygen masks off?

on off on off on off

on off on off on off

3

3

Color windy
45

2 1

4 3

How many airplanes

did you count?

2

3

4

14

5

Answer page

Ss Tt Uu

Vv Ww Xx

Yy Zz

Your own drawings here.

Your own drawing here.

Your own drawings here.
46
47

Activity Book

Print your name on the lines above

on completing the

You have earned your wings as

HIGH

an honorary NASA pilot

FLYERS

Alphabet

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the High Flyers Alphabet Activity Book team for their invaluable suggestions 

and fortitude to see this book come to fruition. Thanks also to the teachers who provided 

our team with ideas and feedback and, most important, the NASA Headquarters 

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate for funding this outreach activity.

Team Members

Brontie DeFreitas-Fox,Communications Support Services Center

Carol Galica, Office of Educational Programs

Kelly Ison, Subsonic Systems Office

Shanessa Jackson, Office of Educational Programs

Susan Johnson, Subsonic Systems Office

Jenay Sharp Leach, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Education

Marge Lehky, Office of Educational Programs

Kelly Shankland, Logistics and Technical Information Division

Linda Skrada, Subsonic Systems Office

Tony Springer, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Education

Renee Yoder, Office of Educational Programs
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Washington, DC 20546-0001

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/resources

https://www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch

www.nasa.gov

NP-2017-09-2456-HQ

Glider Elevon

Elevon

Wing

cut wing slot

Fuselage

Penny

National Aeronautics and Space Administration