Built paper air planes & tested how far they went

Math

• The child learned about measuring distances by recording how far the paper airplanes flew.
• They practiced calculating averages by finding the average distance flown by multiple paper airplanes.
• They explored graphing by creating a simple line graph to represent the distances flown.
• They applied basic geometry concepts by folding the paper airplanes into different shapes to see how it affected their flight.

Science

• The child gained an understanding of aerodynamics by observing how different designs and folds impacted the flight of the paper airplanes.
• They learned about the forces at play in flight, such as lift, drag, and gravity.
• They made predictions and tested their hypotheses, developing the scientific method.
• They practiced data collection and analysis by recording the flight distances and comparing the results.

Encourage the child to further explore the world of flight by experimenting with different paper airplane designs, testing them outdoors in different weather conditions, and researching the principles of flight. They can also explore other modes of transportation and investigate how they are influenced by similar scientific concepts like friction, propulsion, and energy.

Book Recommendations

• The New Paper Airplane Book by Klutz Press: This book provides step-by-step instructions for creating various paper airplane designs and includes tips for optimizing their flight.
• Paper Airplanes with Dollar Bills: Another Way to Throw Your Money Away by Duy Nguyen: This book combines the fun of paper airplanes with the craftiness of origami, teaching kids how to fold paper airplanes using dollar bills.
• Flight: The Journey of Charles Lindbergh by Robert Burleigh: This biography of Charles Lindbergh explores the history of aviation and the excitement of early flight, inspiring young readers with stories of courage and determination.