DEMONSTRATION #2: Paper airplanes

Supplies:

8-1/2" x 11" Bond paper, construction paper, lightweight cardboard (or any three different weights of paper)

scotch tape or glue sticks (if necessary)

(insert patterns)

Procedure:

1. Students break into groups.
2. Each group constructs three identical airplanes using the various weights of paper. Different groups could construct different patterns using all three weights.
3. Each group demonstrates the performance of their planes.

Expected Results:

Results will vary according to the construction techniques, weight of paper used, and shape of the individual pattern.

Questions to ask the students:

1. What makes one plane perform better than the others? [Quality of Construction, shape and weight]
2. How does the shape and size of wing/tail/body etc. affect the performance? [The results will vary
3. How does the weight of the aircraft affect the performance? [Results will vary depending on the pattern used. Some planes require heavier paper to perform optimally.]