Learning outcome

Students will gain knowledge of some inventors and their flying machines.

Resources

Different types of paper, scissors, sticky tape, paperclips, blue tak, or other objects to act as a weight.

Directions

1. Co-operative group work - mini profile on an inventor. Report findings back to class. Inventors could include New Zealander Richard Pearse, Leonardo da Vinci, or the Wright Brothers.

2. How has flight changed over time? What effect have these changes had on the environment?

3. Students will develop plans for a paper glider. Consider which materials to use, which designs will fly best, and which attachments or parts will make a difference to flight.

4. Construct gliders/planes. Thrown by same person and in same way, measure and record distances. Compare results.

5. Modify invention and note any differences.

Useful links

http://chrisbrady.itgo.com/pearse/pearse.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wright/inventors.html