Designs are from Super Flyers by Neil Francis

Paper Planes
(1) Pick paper airplane designs that are (a) easy to build (b) designed to fly a long distance or for a long time. These two attributes are frequently very different.

(2) Have all the materials necessary to make your paper planes (paper-usually standard Xerox or typing paper, scissors, glue, tape, paperclips, straws, etc.) I suggest having the class build their paper planes in groups with one person in the group assigned the task of obtaining needed materials from the teacher's desk (this makes distribution easier and minimizes unnecessary activity).

(3) You might want a test area for in class testing or you might want to require that class members wait until all have completed their paper planes

Pick from these choices (2 at most for first try)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After paper planes have been constructed:
(4) Lay out a measuring tape or ruler and mark feet and inches for about 50 feet (improved paper planes may go further). Have 3 students determine the distance and mark it by each student's name. Create a bar chart on the black/white board when the all have flown their paper planes

(5) Dependant on the level of your class have them read the chart and determine:

• Which paper plane flew the greatest distance
• Which paper plane flew the shortest distance
• What was the average
• How many total feet did the paper planes fly if added together
• Etc.

Why one flew the greatest distance (design, wind, tossing technique?). Have them guess, don't just give them a list.

(7) Have them create new paper planes based on "6" to test their hypothesis.