26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 1 of 7 Design, build, Evaluate paper planes An exercise in experimental work and report writing Ian McCrum 2007

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 2 of 7 The project Research available resources for paper planes Make a paper plane Decide factors that makes a “good” plane Decide how to test these factors Test the plane – recording results and the test environment Modify the plane, or try a different design Test again – recording results Write a technical report – listing all the steps above – your conclusions should present which was “best” and why The report should be 8 pages and include diagrams and maybe tables, your target audience is a fellow student who missed the lecture – it should be possible for him or her to duplicate your work and get similar results

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 3 of 7 Google is your friend making paper planes= 4,590,000 hits _Paper_Airplanes/ _Paper_Airplanes/ h/airplane_sites.htmlhttp://teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/projects/mat h/airplane_sites.html Paper-Airplanes/ Paper-Airplanes/

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 4 of 7 The rapier I love this plane it flies like a glider but has the elegant shape and great precision of a dart. This plane is the best of both worlds and is so easy to make it must be the best plane on the site!The rapier

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 5 of 7 Nicks' Paper airplane Nicks' Paper airplane This paper airplane is a superb glider it is very well balanced indeed even when made by the most inexperienced child. It can be quickly made from a sheet of A4 paper and I really like it. I drew this page up and placed it on the internet within a day of learning to make this paper airplane.

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 6 of 7 What to do now Make the plane from the plans supplied Fly it – be SAFE, do NOT fly at people – use the corridor or aisles or (preferably) go outside measure the distance by stepping it out and record the glide time in seconds (roughly) Change the design, bend flaps, cut slits, remove areas, maybe glue in tissue or very light paper or pick a different airplane Retest. WRITE IT UP!

26th September, 2007, Ian McCrum 7 of 7 Work in teams of 4 Material needed A4 paper, cut to different size/proportions if desired Rulers – use to tear paper by folding A few pairs of scissors, should not be needed Paper glue, should’nt be needed Very thin paper (use toilet paper?) Blue tack, for weight adjustments Camera phone for recording