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Notes for the teacher

Learning Goals

  • Explore the physics of aerodynamics and flight
  • Explore the design process
  • Fulfill criteria while staying within constraints
  • Creatively work with limited materials
  • Show perseverance through iteration

Materials

  • Paper
  • Coloring implements
  • Book of paper airplane instructions
  • Space to throw airplanes
  • Measuring tape to measure how far planes have been thrown
  • (Optional) Prize for winner(s)

Today’s activity is to practice making a basic paper airplane, using a book to make a different one, and then trying them out against each other in a paper airplane throwing contest!

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Reminder of expectations for the STEM classroom.

Try

Be kind

Ask questions

Keep improving

Clean up

Give each activity a try. A real effort.

We all have days that we are better at things. Be kind to each other.

Question everything! Ask questions and look for answers! First ask yourself, then ask a peer, and only then ask the teacher

It’s ok to be bad at things, just get better a little at a time. Do that by messing up and failing!

We will all help each other clean up, even if it isn’t “your” mess.

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Paper Airplanes

Summer 2025

K - 6th Grade

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Start by making a basic paper airplane.

  • Try it out. How far does it go? Record your data, as STEM professionals do.
  • How can you make an even better paper airplane?
  • Research to find out! (just like STEM professionals) Use the book provided to look up how to make a different type of plane
  • Try your new plane and record how far it goes!
  • If time, try a different one!

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Paper Airplanes!

Can you make one?

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Let’s take a vote

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Create your own

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New Designs

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Happy Iterating!

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Credits

Presentation Template: SlidesMania

Images: Unsplash

“Introduce yourself” image from here

Paper airplane diagram from here

Lesson by Sophia Bender

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