Airplane
Description
In this activity, students learn about aeroplanes and the importance of their aerodynamic shape. They create paper aeroplanes.
Learning objectives
Cultivating curiosity and motivation for engineering
Exploration and experimentation
Understanding the aerodynamic shape
Suggested age group
1st Grade
Time
45 minutes
Fields in S.T.E.A.M.
Sciences
Mechanics
Materials
Paper
Stapler
One rubber band
One pencil
Clip
Steps
1
The activity starts by raising questions for the students.
Why can aeroplanes fly?
Why don’t they fall like all the other items?
What is it that keeps them in the air?
After the students express their opinions, explain that the answer is the shape, their powerful engines, and their aerodynamic shape.
2
By noting the shape of the aeroplane, compare it to the body of a bird (wings, tail, nose, etc.).
How do these characteristics affect the air?
Although investigating the plane's flight is not appropriate for children of this age, they gain intuitive knowledge as they progress through construction. In this way, it boosts their motivation and curiosity about engineering and the world around them.
3
Then students create simple shuttles and let them play.
How do they explain in their constructions the motion of their plane?
4
Attach a paperclip to the nose of the aeroplane with a stapler.
Pop a rubber band and launch your plane!
For resistance, you can use a pencil or your fingers.
5
By using the simple launch mechanism, organise a game:
Who can launch the plane farthest?
Who can launch the plane higher?
