The Wright Brothers' lifelong interest in flight began when they were young students. They built copies of a toy helicopter, but the larger models they built did not fly.

Working in groups, your class will build a toy helicopter just like the Wrights did! Your mission is to discover why the larger helicopter doesn't fly!

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

Read the history and background science information for this activity. Print out a copy of the toy helicopter fin template. Use the template to cut the fins out of the cardboard (Item 2 in the MATERIALS LIST).

Cut the struts to length as shown.

Glue one strut to each side of one fin as shown. Repeat this for the other fin. Allow to dry thoroughly.

On each cork end, drill a hole straight through the middle. On the narrow end of the cork, drill a second hole partially through the cork offset from the center hole by 1/4 inch. Cut out the edges of the cork on the wide side of the cork as shown.

Glue the strut-fin assemblies to the cork ends as shown.

• 1 12 Inch Diameter "High Lift" Or "Low Speed" Model Airplane Propeller
• 2 8 X 10 Inch Pieces Of Cardboard, Stiff Craft Paper, Plastic Cardboard, or Sandwich Foam Construction Paper
• 4 Pieces Of 3/16" Square Basswood
• 2 1 1/2" Corks At least 1/2" Long
• 18" Long Rubber Band Strip At least 3/16" Wide
• 1 1-Inch Diameter Domed Washer
• 2 Heavy Duty Paper Clips
• 1 Tube Wood Model Cement
• Safety Scissors
• Drill With 1/8 Inch Drill Bit
• Needle Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Hobby Knife
• Safety Glasses

Bend the bottom of one of the paper clips into a hook shape as shown. Insert it through the bottom cork of the helicopter assembly. Bend the upper portion also into a hook shape.

Bend the other paper clip in a tight hook so that it slides through the propeller hub (hole). Pass the paper clip through the domed washer with the dome (convex) side against the propeller. Now pass it through the upper cork end and bend the end of the wire into a hook.

Attach the rubber bands stretching between the upper and lower clips.

You are ready to launch your helicopter! Holding the bottom cork, wind the rubber band into a spiral. Hold the helicopter in one hand by the base, away from you but pointing up. Release the propeller and allow it to build up speed for a second, then let go of the base. The helicopter should rise 10 to 15 feet before the rubber band unwinds.