Built paper air planes & tested how far they went

Math

• The child learned about measurement by testing how far the paper airplanes flew.
• They practiced counting the number of airplane flights and recording the distances.
• They compared the distances flown by different paper airplane designs.
• They used addition and subtraction to calculate the average distance flown.

Science

• The child explored the concepts of aerodynamics and how different factors like wing shape and weight affect the flight of paper airplanes.
• They learned about the forces of lift, gravity, thrust, and drag that act on the airplanes.
• They observed how changing variables such as the angle of the wings or the weight of the paper affected the flight distance.
• They recorded and analyzed their data to draw conclusions about the best design for a paper airplane that flies far.

To further develop their understanding of measurement and aerodynamics, the child can experiment with different paper airplane designs and test how changes in variables like wing width or tail length affect flight distance. They can also research and learn about real airplanes and the principles of flight, exploring topics such as lift, drag, and the Bernoulli principle.

Book Recommendations

• Paper Airplanes: Step-by-Step Instructions by David Mitchell: This book provides step-by-step instructions for creating various paper airplane designs and includes tips for achieving better flight performance.
• The Secrets of Flight by Paul Beck: This book explores the science behind flight, including how airplanes and birds fly, the history of flight, and the principles of aerodynamics.
• Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker: This book introduces young readers to different types of airplanes, their parts, and how they work. It includes colorful illustrations and simple explanations.