STEM event activity details

Paper Aeroplane challenge

STUDENTS!!

Today you are going to solve a problem using

your design and engineering skills. We have to fly some important
cargo using a paper plane as far as possible!

# (Make sure you have your task sheet. You will complete this task
sheet throughout todays STEM event session).

First of all you are going to watch some great clips about paper
aeroplanes, flight and aerodynamics. Then we are going to connected
with Tom Benson via Skype, an aeronautical engineer so he can give
you a short talk around flight or answer any questions you might have.
(Remember to use your task sheet to record notes and key point as you
watch to help you design your plane).

Think of what you have learnt today and in previous lessons about
weight, thrust and drag and using what you have learnt you will be
required to design and build paper aeroplanes with the goal to glide a
far a possible while carrying special cargo. (Your special cargo is a
pencil that you will be provided with).

You are to experiment with making a variety of paper plane designs

and attach the special cargo. Then you are to test you planes, then
measure and record your 3 longest flights in metres/centimetres.
(Remember to record your design thoughts, results and findings on the
task sheet).

Competition time!

Select your best design! You will use this plane to compete with your
peers and to measure to determine which plane can
glide for the longest distance while carrying cargo.
(You will then record your distance and reflect on the
winning design and how you could improve your own
design).

You will be provided with the following materials:

5 sheets of A4 paper
Scissors
Sticky tape
New unsharpened HB pencil
Measuring tape/marker
Activity sheet for recording design process, notes, measurements and
reflections.
 Good Luck designers and engineers!

Who will be the champion of the sky?????

Name..
Task sheet example.

Record notes and key learning from video below:

Record and draw you design thoughts ( use additional sheets for more
designs if needed)
Design 1
Design thoughts-

Draw design-

Design 2
Design thoughts

Draw design

Design 3
Design thoughts

Draw design

Now create your designs attach your cargo and get testing

Record you results and measurements for your 3 longest flights in

metre/centimetres below on the next page
Think about what worked, what didnt and why? How could
I improve my design?

Consider and reflect about weight, thrust and drag!

And dont forget to record your best flights in metres/centimetres.

Thoughts about design 1-

Longest distance travelled ______________

Thoughts about design 2-

Longest distance travelled ______________

Thoughts about design 3-

Longest distance travelled ______________

Now think about the winning design reflect about why you think that
design won and how you could improve your own design next time.