Today 5th and 6th class created their very own paper gliders using card, a straw, a pair of scissors and some tape. Using the card they cut two strips of card and taped the ends of each strip together creating a nice round shape once taped. They created one large hoop and one small hoop taping each one at opposite ends of the straw. Then then held the straw in the middle with the hoops on top and threw their gliders into the air, similar to how you might throw a paper plane, angled slightly up.
They were surprised to discover that their gliders flew surprisingly well. The two sizes of hoops help to keep the straw balanced as it flies. The big hoop creates “drag” (or air resistance) which helps keep the straw level while the smaller hoop in at the front keeps the glider from turning off course.
5th and 6th Class discussed how the placement of the hoops on the straw might affect its flight distance and if more hoops would help the glider to fly better. We analysed how the weight of the card might affect how it lands. We discovered, despite many attempts, that the gliders will not turn over because the card hoops are heavier than the straw. Since objects of different weight generally fall at the same speed, the hoop will keep its “upright” position.
They were surprised to discover that their gliders flew surprisingly well. The two sizes of hoops help to keep the straw balanced as it flies. The big hoop creates “drag” (or air resistance) which helps keep the straw level while the smaller hoop in at the front keeps the glider from turning off course.
5th and 6th Class discussed how the placement of the hoops on the straw might affect its flight distance and if more hoops would help the glider to fly better. We analysed how the weight of the card might affect how it lands. We discovered, despite many attempts, that the gliders will not turn over because the card hoops are heavier than the straw. Since objects of different weight generally fall at the same speed, the hoop will keep its “upright” position.
