Summary Build a simple flying machine from a straw and cardboard, that spins as it flies. Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Lessons activity is in Flying Things Flight and Newton's Laws Materials 3-x-5-inch file cards, or equivalent thickness of card to cut up scissors tape plastic straws, straight optional: paperclips or modelling clay Procedure As described on the Exploratorium website (www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/hoopster.html): Cut the card into strips, about 1 X 5inches long. Tape one piece into a loop, and another two into a larger loop (by taping them end to end first). Tape the loops onto each end of a straw, lined up with each other. Throw the hoopster like a spear. It will rotate and fly quite well. Play around with variations on the basic hoopster, and compare how they fly (make sure to have several trials with each): change the number of loops change the orientation of the loops change the length of the hoopster by adding straws (push one end into another) add weight with paper clips or modelling clay etc. etc Discussions of the forces involved: The forward motion is called thrust and is generated by our arm pushing it forward. The air moving around the loops gives it lift so that it can fly for a while. Air resistance eventually slows it down and gravity brings it to the ground. Grades taught Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6
