DEMONSTRATION #1 - 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)

Preparation:

Engineer to construct the same pattern airplane using the various weights of paper for classroom demonstration. Possibly construct two different patterns using all three weights to show how larger planes require heavier paper to fly most efficiently.

Procedure:

Bring the pre-constructed airplanes to the classroom to demonstrate the different performances.

Questions to ask the class:

1. Before demonstration, have the class predict which plane will fly the furthest, longest, smoothest, etc. and Why?
2. What makes one perform better/worse or different than another? [ Shape, weight and quality of construction all affect the performance.]
3. What can be done to improve the performance? [Make the plane more streamline and with the lightest material possible to improve the performance.]