Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors and do something. Science is the one subject that makes up every aspect of lives, from walking to cooking, Science is involved. The acronym, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) describes all aspects of Science. Summertime is a great time to be outdoors! There several things you can do with your scholar during their summer vacation that will maintain learning momentum and spotlight some concepts in Science. The next activity in this series of Summertime STEAM Fun, which focuses on Engineering practices, is the Paper Airplane Challenge.
The Paper Airplane Challenge requires scholars, and you to build paper airplane models and test each model to see which flies the farthest; copy or loose leaf paper are the best types of paper to use. However, you can use any type of paper to build your paper airplane. I have seen scholars use newspaper to make spectacular paper airplanes that flew pretty far.
Start with sketching out the model airplane on paper or in a sketch book, and then begin the folding process. Paper airplanes are created by folding paper in many different ways and directions. There are several different videos on YouTube that show how to make different types of paper airplanes, or you can create an airplane from scratch, based on your vision. Either way, you and your scholar will enjoy this activity! Make it a challenge, the winner gets ice cream or the dinner of their choice. Have fun flying your airplanes!
The picture shows my scholars from the 22-23 SY engaged in the Paper Airplane Challenge.
Paper Airplane Challenge Materials
- Any type of paper (1 sheet will be used for sketching airplane model)
- Measuring tape or yard stick