
Paper Airplane Folds and Flight Distance
Medium
Does the way you fold a paper airplane change how far it flies? You design several planes using different fold patterns and paper types. Then you launch each one from the same spot and measure the distance.
Small changes in the folds affect how much lift and stability the plane has. A plane with wider wings may glide farther. A narrow design may fly faster but drop sooner. You compare the results to find which design travels the greatest distance.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that the type of paper, folding technique, and launch style will affect how far a paper airplane can fly.
Method & Materials
You will plan and design your own paper airplane, testing different types of paper, folds, and launches to see which combination flies the farthest. Then, make adjustments to improve your design based on the results. For more complex paper airplane folds, follow these instructions: https://pimaair.org/great-paper-airplane-fly-off/
You will need paper, markers or pencils for decorating, and a space where you can safely test your airplanes.
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See what’s includedResults
After conducting the experiment and analyzing the results, it was observed that certain types of paper, specific folding techniques, and particular launch styles significantly impacted the flight distance of the paper airplanes. This project is a fun way to learn about aerodynamics and how different factors influence flight performance.
Why do this project?
This science project is interesting because it allows you to be an aircraft designer and pilot. You will explore the principles of flight and discover how small changes in design and technique can have a big impact on the performance of a paper airplane.
Also Consider
1. Test the effect of different wing shapes or sizes on flight distance.
2. Investigate the impact of adding weights to the airplanes on their flight performance.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related videos
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Great step-by-step instructions to make and fly a paper airplane from the Boston Children's Museum! There are awesome tips too!
Follow this step-by-step video to make the paper airplane that has the longest flight time, the Sky King!
Check out these super cool paper planes - a flying tube, the tumbling wing that can fly forever and a boomerang plane that comes right back to you!
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