Grade 3, Chapter 9 Investigation Organizer:
Up and Away!
Summary: Your challenge will be to build an airplane using paper and a straw. Then, test how far it will fly! Measure and record the distance flown to the nearest half inch. Then, turn the plane around and test it again. You will find out which flight was the longest and which was the shortest.
1. Plan It
A. Materials you will need.
- construction paper
- a straw
- regular tape
- masking tape
B. Measure and cut. With your group:
- Measure and cut a strip of paper 1/2 in. wide and 3 1/2 in. long.
- Measure and cut a second strip of paper 3/4 in. wide and 4 3/4 in. long.
- Make a loop with each strip of paper. Overlap the ends and tape them together.
- Tape the straw inside the loops.
![[Checkbox]](/math/mathcentral/graphics/chkbx.gif)
Our planning completed
2. Put It Together
A. Tape a line on the floor. Stand there to launch your plane.
B. Aim. Aim your plane toward a wall and toss it.
C. Measure. Measure the distance the plane flies to the nearest half inch.
D. Make a chart. Let everyone in your group fly the plane. Use the chart on page 345 of your textbook to help you make a chart. Your chart should record the distances flown.
Step 2 completed
3. Wrap It Up
A. Repeat.Turn the plane around so the loops are at different ends. Repeat step 2.
B. Record. Record on your chart the distances flown. Also record the new position of the loops.
Flying completed
4. Discuss Your Results
- How well did you measure and cut the materials?
- How clearly did you explain what happens when you change the loops?
- Did you record the distances on the chart clearly?
- Did you and your group work well together?
- Does changing the position of the loops change the distance the plane flies?
Review completed
Return to Investigation Page.