Helicopter Twirl

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Learners cut and fold a paper helicopter from the template in this PDF. They practice twirling the helicopter and observe what happens as they modify their tries. The modifications can include different twirling motions, amounts of weight (paper clips) attached, and number of blades that rotate in the air as the helicopter drops. This activity can be combined with the Wind Tunnel activity, also found on the Lawrence Hall of Science 24/7 Science site.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Scissors
  • activity printout for helicopter blades
  • paper clip
  • scissors

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Aerospace Engineering
      • Transportation Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Gravity
      • Rotation Motion
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation

Informal Categories

  • Physical Activity
  • Toys
  • Transportation

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 2009