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<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/51320244" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/51320244">Human-Powered Helicopters: Straight Up Difficult</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/npr">NPR</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

For this week’s project, we’re going to design paper helicopters!  At first glance, this project is simple, but, upon closer inspection, its rather deceptive as there are a lot of variables for students to manipulate and experiment with. Using only some basic supplies, you will work in teams to produce a paper helicopter, based on an initial basic design, that will stay aloft the longest.

Materials:

  • Paper (the more different kinds, the better; vary them in thickness/weight)
  • Scissors
  • Paperclips (again, the more different sizes and weights, the better)
  • Rulers
  • Stopwatches
  • Pencils
  • Measuring tape (seamstress tape works best)

Challenge: Let’s create a Hovercraft!
How does a Hovercraft work?