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Title: Crafting an MK-1 Paper Model Plane
Objective: Students will design, build, and test an MK-1 paper model plane while learning about aerodynamics and flight principles.
Materials Needed:
- Regular printer paper or lightweight colored paper
- Colored pencils or markers
- Tape measure
- Stopwatch
- Large outdoor space (preferred)
Procedure:
- Introduction (10 minutes):
- Discuss basic airplane parts (wing, flap, aileron, fuselage, cockpit, tail, rudder, elevator).
- Explain that engineers often create small-size models of new products to test designs.
- Design and Construction (20 minutes):
- Show students an example of the MK-1 paper model plane.
- Provide instructions for folding the MK-1 design:
- Fold the paper hot dog style (portrait style).
- Fold the top-right corner to the center crease, creating a triangle.
- Repeat with the left corner.
- Fold the right side along the crease.
- Encourage students to decorate their planes and give them unique names.
- Testing (30 minutes):
- Students test their MK-1 planes in three trials:
- Measure flight distance (in feet) and time aloft (in seconds).
- Record data on an Airplane Comparison Chart (similar to the one provided in the previous lesson).
- Calculate the average measurements for each plane.
- Students test their MK-1 planes in three trials:
- Data Analysis (15 minutes):
- Graph the collected class data (average distance vs. MK-1 design).
- Discuss how design influences flight characteristics.
- Conclusion (5 minutes):
- Recap key points about paper airplane engineering.
- Highlight the creativity and scientific thinking involved in designing the MK-1.
Extensions:
- Explore modifications to the MK-1 design (e.g., wing shape, tail adjustments).
- Discuss how control surfaces (ailerons, rudder, elevator) affect airplane maneuverability.
Remember, this lesson encourages hands-on learning and creativity! 🛩️
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