Learning Activity 2cde: Airplane Investigation
Unit A: Nature of Science
Learning Targets:
As a student, I can…
2c) design a single-variable experiment that includes and testable question, clearly identified variables, and a hypothesis.
(DOK 2-4)
2d) collect and analyze* data for a single variable experiment. (DOK 2-3) (* analyze data = calculations, patterns,
graphing, etc.)
2e) write a conclusion (claim) addressing the testable question and/or hypothesis and based on data (DOK 2-3)
AIRPLANE !
Objective: To practice scientific investigation (design, do, communicate about) using a Paper Airplane
Lab.
Your Task:
1. Get into Groups of 3 or 4.
2. As a group, develop a title and purpose to the lab you are about to do with paper airplanes.
3. Decide on the variable you will change for the purpose of this experiment. ONLY CHANGE ONE
VARIABLE ! (examples: size of starting paper, final length of folded plane, weight of nose of
plane, model of your plane, etc.)
4. Based on your variable, develop a hypothesis, list of materials, and procedure that will be used
for this experiment.
5. Now it is time to make your airplane! DO NOT THROW THEM YET!
6. Create a data table or chart in which you will record your data. What important elements does
your data table need to have?
7. You are clear for take-off! Test your hypothesis at least 10 times.
8. Complete a formal lab report using the Formal Lab Rubric. Each student will need to turn in
their own lab write-up !