W4 eBook

Joseph Sica

Fly or Fail?

5th Grade

Hello class! In today’s class we are going to be covering aerodynamics and the different forces that cause something to remain in the air. We are going to be using paper airplanes to help us better understand why some things fly, and why some things fail.

Today’s student learning outcome is:

Students will explain why certain paper airplanes can soar and why other paper airplanes cannot.

Discussion Question:

What do you think is the most important aspect of a good paper airplane?

Students will watch the above video that shows the viewer how to make a paper airplane that may cover long distances.

Discussion Question:

If you were going to make any upgrades to the paper airplane design shown in the video, what would those upgrades be?

Discussion Question:

Based on what we have observed about paper airplanes, which type of paper do you think would work better when making a paper airplane of your own: printer paper or construction paper? Why?

For Homework:

Once school has finished, I want you to make the best paper airplane you can. Once you complete your paper airplane, have a parent or guardian record you throwing it and have them email the video to me. Next, I want you to write a post-experiment explanation the covers what went well with your paper airplane and what could have been improved. Please have these explanations ready for our next class meeting. Nice job today everyone!