Family Flyers


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In this activity, learners work in teams to build and test paper airplanes. Learners try to fly their airplanes directly on the runway and earn points for accuracy. Learners keep track of each airplane's flight on a record sheet. Educators can use this activity as a lesson on aerodynamics, engineering, and teamwork.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students

Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11

Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan

Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)


  • 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper
  • markers
  • small-sized paper clips
  • rolls of masking tape
  • simple paper airplane templates and dart paper airplane templates
  • Runway Record sheets

Subjects


  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
      • Projectile Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories


  • Model Building
  • Physical Activity
  • Transportation

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2002