9781422284995

Try It Yourself

Make your own paper airplane.

Materials:

• drinking straws • tape • heavyweight paper, cardboard or thin balsa wood

1. Decide if you want to make a paper airplane that stays aloft the longest or one that glides the greatest distance.

2. Check out the Internet or other resources to find pictures of the type of plane you’d like to make. Take special note of the shape of the wings and other features that might be on the plane.

3. Use the materials listed to make a paper airplane. Be sure to keep in mind the basics behind the idea of lift.

4. If possible, toss your paper airplane along the length of the gymnasium or au- ditorium to observe its flight patterns. Make adjustments to your design as needed.

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