Name:______Date:______

Paper Airplane Lab

Directions:

1)  We will build a controlled paper airplane together in class and conduct a controlled experiment to measure the distance. You will then gather data for at least eight trials and record the results in a table.

2)  Once you finish the controlled experiment, you will conduct an experimental experiment and alter the controlled airplane based on the variable you receive in class.

a.  You need to type your purpose, hypothesis, and materials used before you conduct the eight trials.

b.  Conduct your trials and record all the data in a table.

c.  Answer the observation and conclusion questions.

You will create your own lab to demonstrate the scientific method using the paper airplane using the attached lab sheet.

The following steps are part of a process called the SCIENTIFIC METHOD. These steps represent an organized way to ask questions and make new scientific discoveries.

PURPOSE

What are you testing? Your purpose should be stated in the form of a question

Example: Does the addition of weight to the paper airplane increase or decrease the distance flown?

HYPOTHESIS

After you alter the design of the original plane, make a prediction as to what your adjustment to the design will do to the flight distance.

Example: The addition of weight to the paper airplane will decrease the distance flown.

MATERIALS

Make a list of all materials that you used to make and test your altered paper airplane.

PROCEDURE

Create a set of instructions (steps) for constructing and altering your airplane and testing your hypothesis.

DATA

-Using a table, record your results. Make sure that you record the results of at least eight trials.

OBSERVATION (1 paragraph)

-Analyze the data that you collected. Describe patterns or relationships you noticed. Describe the

accuracy of your trials/results. Explain how you could have improved your plan, design, or results.

CONCLUSION (1 paragraph)

-How does the outcome of your experiment support or not support your hypothesis you developed (use

evidence from your experiment to support your answer).

-What did you learn from this experience?

- What questions do you still have?

Name:______Date:______

Paper Airplane Lab

PURPOSE:

______

HYPOTHESIS:

______

MATERIALS:

______

PROCEDURE (Numbered, step-by-step)

1.  Build the controlled paper airplane together.

2.  Conduct 8 trials to measure the distance travelled.

The rest of the steps need to explain how to alter, throw, and measure your paper airplane.

______

______

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DATA (Table)

Controlled Experiment (Regular Plane) Experimental Experiment (Modified Plane)

Trial #1
Trial #2
Trial #3
Trial #4
Trial #5
Trial #6
Trial #7
Trial #8
Trial #1
Trial #2
Trial #3
Trial #4
Trial #5
Trial #6
Trial #7
Trial #8

Average: ______Average: ______

OBSERVATION: (Paragraph)

______

______

CONCLUSION: (Paragraph)

______

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