1. PAPER AIRPLANE ACTIVITY
Ver: Oct, 2003
Bring: ream of white paper, 200 jumbo paper clips
Use vb timer
Issues: # of trials (fewer trials of many clip locations or many trials of fewer clip locations)
Can bring video cam and long cable to show examples of plots
Note: written instructions are in word doc, but don’t need if done in lecture

2. Paper airplane experiment
Purpose: Determine the effect on flight distance of where a paper clip is placed along the base of a paper airplane
Deliverable: A clear plot that shows the results of your experiments

3. Step 1
Form a group of four

4. Step 2 Send one rep to front to collect:
5 sheets of blank paper (four for airplanes, one for plot)
3 paper clips (jumbo size)

5. Things to note (#1)
Find a place where you can launch your airplane. Position yourselves so that team isn't climbing over seats. If you go into hall, stay quiet; other classes are in session.
For measuring flight distances, standard floor tiles are 12 inches. For measuring location of paper clip from back edge of airplane, diameter of a quarter is about 1 inch. Distance units on plot can be inches, feet, shoes, forearms, chairs,…

6. Things to note (#2)
Do not throw hard. For this experiment, no need for flights to be much over ten feet.
Yes, we know you can build another paper airplane design that goes very far. Yes, we know you have enough strength to launch your plane so that it goes clear across the room. That's fine, but that's not the point of this experiment.

7. Things to note (#3)
Deliverable = clear, hand-drawn plot that shows effect of clip location. Names of team members (in block capitals) on the sheet.
Keep track of time so that you are not rushed in creating the deliverable.
Clean up your mess when done. Thanks.

8. All planes are this design; no deviations please1 2 3 4 6 5
Paper clip goes along this edge
All planes are this design; no deviations please

9. Things to think about Methods Confounding factors
Interpretation of results
Names of team in block caps on final plot
Post-project reflection, open discussion, interview students
Or, if short on time, finish plots in seats during remainder of lecture, turn in at end