Teachers.Net Lesson Plans

#183. Aviation

Science, level: all
Posted by Kimberly D. Grimes (Ladylux1@aol.com ).
University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Materials Required: 2 sheets of paper, a plastic bag, string, tape, paper clip, scissors
Activity Time: 10 minutes
Concepts Taught: How air effect falling objects

Falling Paper
Grade Level: K - 3
Purpose:

For students to see how things move through air.

Materials:

2 pieces of the same size paper
Plastic wrap or plastic bag
String
Paper clip
Tape
Scissors

Procedure:

1. Crumple one piece of paper and keep the other straight. Hold them
both up at arm's length and drop them. What happens? What seems to keep
the flat sheet from falling quickly? (The flat sheet has a greater
surface for air to push against.) The spread out wings of a plane give
it that same lift.

2. Cut the plastic wrap or bag into a 12" x 12" square. Attach a 12"
length of string to each corner with clear tape. Gather all the strings
together at the bottom. Hang a small paper clip there as a weight. Open
the chute and let it fall from a high place. How does its flight compare
to the flat and crumpled paper? Use scissors to cut 2 small slits into
the center of the chute. Let it go again. Experiment with
different-sized chutes, holes, and weights. The first parachutes were
designed by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519); they make use of air
resistance.

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