Change one variable and try again. Teams build basic balsa gliders and collect data on their flight distances and times. Through collaboration, the team decides on two modifications to make to the basic design and collect data for the two new gliders. The activity is the 20th segment in an aviation series of 22.

Concepts

flight, lift, thrust, aviation, drag, airplanes, aeronautics, design, engineering design, technology resources

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Additional Tags

airplanes, flight, lift, thrust

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Instructional Ideas

• Allow teams to collaborate and build a glider that combines the best designs from each team

Classroom Considerations

• Each team needs four balsa glider kits 
• The activity requires a large space to test the gliders and measure distance and time

Pros

• Contains ideas for extensions
• Includes a template to capture each team's data

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.NS.B.2 6.SP.B.5.a 6.SP.B.5.b 6.SP.B.5.c 6.SP.B.5.d