Grade Level | System Requirement | Product Number |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 3-6 | Apple 128K | A281 |
| Kids take off on a high-flying scientific adventure to study the effects that four variables — plane shape, plane weight, launch angle, and launch force — have on paper airplanes. After experimenting with the variables, kids then observe flights and record the results.Explores the laws of force and motion.Features a variety of management options. | ||
Introduction
Paper Plane Pilot is a discovery-learning simulation that capitalizes on the natural curiosity of
students and encourages them to use their curiosity while developing appropriate scientific
processes and learning scientific content.
Paper Plane Pilot is part of MECC’s Science Inquiry Collection. Like all the packages in this
collection, Paper Plane Pilot features a strong process orientation while presenting material that
is firmly anchored in the elementary and junior high school curriculum.
In Paper Plane Pilot students are challenged to determine how each of the four variables-plane
shape, plane weight, launch angle, and launch force-affect the distance a paper airplane will
travel. Students make this determination by testing planes with various combinations of the
variables. As the planes are tested, students observe and record their results. The information
collected enables students to determine how each characteristic affects the distance a paper plane
will fly.
The physical science concepts addressed by, or related to, Paper Plane Pilot include:
- motion and the laws of motion;
- forces; and
- gravity.
The science process skills developed by Paper Plane Pilot include:
- observing;
- communicating;
- inferring;
- comparing;
- organizing;
- relating;
- designing and experimenting;
- and estimating