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Discuss with the students the aerodynamic basics of lift and drag.
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On a windy day, have each student hold a piece of cardboard so that
the wind blows against the flat side. You can feel the large force of
drag.
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Next have the students hold the cardboard with the edge facing the
wind. In which case is the drag greatest? In step 2 or 3? Do you see
any connection between area and drag?
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Now tilt the board and feel the lift.
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Then experiment with different sizes of cardboard.
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The students can also fold a piece of cardboard into different shapes
and experiment until they find a shape that resembles an airplane (a
shape that seems to offer the least resistance to the wind).
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Wrap up the experiment with a discussion with the students and what
they have experienced about drag and lift.
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