Objectives:
1) Practice using the scientific method.
2)
3)
Test an independent variable by comparing it to a control.
Each person will complete a full lab-write up that includes; a purpose, hypothesis, materials, procedures, data (including data tables and graphs) and conclusion to discuss results.
BACKGROUND: The scientific method is a standard procedure used by people throughout the world to solve problems. The order and number of steps varies, but in every problem solved an educated guess is used to solve the problem. In this project you and your partner(s) will be measuring flying distance for a paper airplane that you construct. You will start with a control (a standard) airplane and then choose ONE variable to change (this will be the independent) such as weight, length, wing shape, etc.
Procedure: Your group will build a single airplane for your lab. You will run two sets of data on this one plane – first without any changes being made (the control) and then a second set of data after you have changed a single variable (JUST 1) on your plane.This change will be the independent variable. You may choose to alter the design by bending the wings, adding a paperclip to add mass, shortening the plane’s length or something similar.
1) Decide which duties you and your partner(s) will be in charge of. Remember, this is your entire group’s science project so please be responsible. The same person should launch the plane each time for consistency. You will need to measure each distance and record data.
2) Construct the control plane and choose an independent variable (but don’t change it yet!)
3) Make a hypothesis as to which plane will fly the farthest and WHY!! WRITE IT DOWN!
4) Construct a data table to record flight lengths for each plane (control and variable.)
You will need a minimum of 5 trials for each plane. Don’t forget to take the average!
5) Take your control plane outside to the marked and pre-measured flight area.
Have the same person throw the plane each time. Fill in data after each flight.
6) Graph distance information for both planes on one graph (use different colors or solid & dashed lines for each plane). Remember to place the Independent and Dependent variables on the correct axis.
7) Complete your lab write up (don’t forget to clearly label each section.) If possible, write your report on the back of the graphing paper provided by your teacher (if available.)
A sample write up is available to view in class and also on the website under class notes
8) Each person must complete their own lab report - due at the beginning of next class.
Materials
°Paper for airplanes °Meter stick (if used) °Notebook to collect data.
(°include any material added for the independent variable)

(Use the back of the graphing paper provided to write your lab report)
(Be sure to clearly label each section as you go)
Hypothesis (2 points): Make an educated guess based on your knowledge about paper
airplanes as to which of your two planes will fly farther.
You must explain WHY you think it will fly better!!!!
Materials (1 point): Here you will list the materials you used. Include all the materials used
to construct and test the planes (including your independent variable).
Procedure (2 points): List in numerical order the steps used to create and test your planes.
Data (6 points): Use a data table to record measurements in m (or cm) for each plane.
Graph distance information for both planes on one graph.
Be sure to include the units and label each axis.
Bonus: Draw diagrams of each of your planes.
Distance (m)
Trial # Control Plane Independent Variable
1
2
3
4
5
Average
Observations / Analysis (4 points): Explain what happened in your trials. Are there patterns in your data? Did the flight pattern get longer or shorter over the trials? Did they stay the same? Also list any other outside factors that may have affected your results such as wind, did your plane’s construction start to fall apart, any crashes, etc.
Conclusion (5 points): Did you the outcome of your experiment support your hypothesis?
Why or why not? Why do you think the independent variable changed the flight distance as it did – try to give an explanation for the changes you observed!?
Did other outside factors have an affect? Would you build the plane differently next time? Could your measurement techniques be changed to improve the accuracy of your results? What did you learn? Be very, very specific and tell me!!!!!
Grading: 20 points total
Due: Beginning of Next Class