Name:
Date:
Hour: ________________________________________
Paper Airplanes & Scientific Methods
Scientific Inquiry refers to the many different ways in which
scientists investigate the world. Scientific investigations are done to
answer questions and solve problems. Many times investigations are
said to follow a Scientific Method. Scientific methods are steps that
are followed during an investigation to make sure that the
information gained during the investigation is accurate and true.
Step 1: Identify and State the Question or Problem
You want to know which paper airplane design will fly the
farthest. As a class, the style of the plane will be changed from
group to group. Write a question that states what is being tested
and relate it to what is being changed.
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Step 1B: Background Research
 Find out what is already known about the topic being
investigated.
In this lab the topic is paper airplanes. Spend a little time
activating your brain on paper airplanes. Write 2 - 3 notes here:
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Step 2: State a Hypothesis
 Educated Guess about the result of the experiment; based upon
background knowledge and personal experiences. Always stated as
an if…,then… statement
Based on what you know about paper airplanes, write a hypothesis
that states which type of paper airplane (that you are testing) will fly
the greatest distance and why you think this.
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Step 3: Write a Procedure.
 Procedures include a list of necessary materials and the DETAILED
step by step directions. Need to also make sure in the directions
that only one variable is being tested. This means that only ONE
item is changed in the experiment. Also make sure multiple trials
are completed to make sure the data is reliable.
Materials: (list materials needed to complete this experiment)
The procedure for this investigation is partially done for you. Add
any extra steps needed for your investigation.
1. Select 3 different paper airplanes.
a. __________________________________
b. __________________________________
c. __________________________________
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Pick a spot to launch the planes from each time.
Throw the first airplane.
Measure the distance in __________________.
Record the data in the data chart.
Repeat 4 more times.
Repeat steps 3-6 for the other types of planes.
List the types
of planes
chosen here.
.
Paper Airplanes 5
Step 4: Collect & Record Data
 Observe and measure data. There are two types of data:
o Qualitative data is recorded as observations and uses WORDS.
o Quantitative data is measured and uses NUMBERS.
You will use the chart below to record your data; each part of the chart is
labeled for you.
Always show units
of measurement
These are the Specific Manipulated /
Independent Variables
This is the General
Manipulated / Independent
Variable
Type of
Airplane
Distance in Meters of Airplane Flight
Trial
Trial
Trial
Trial
Trial
1
2
3
4
5
Average
Distance
1.
2.
3.
Step 4B: Analyze Data
 After the data is collected and recorded, scientists need to make
sense of it. This is done by looking for patterns, trends, and
relationships. Making a graph is a good way to help analyze data.
It is very important to use the right kind of graph when analyzing data. In
this investigation, different kinds of paper airplanes were compared. Any
time data is compared, a Bar Graph is the most appropriate type of graph
to use.
Paper Airplanes 6
All graphs have some things in common;

The manipulated / independent variable (what is changed in the
experiment) is on the X-axis (bottom).

The responding / dependent variable (what is measured) is on the Y-axis
(side).

Each axis is labeled to identify the variables.

Units of measurement are included in the labels.

The graph has a descriptive title.

The information on the graph is spread out so that most of the graph is used.
Use the graph below to record your data; each part of the graph is labeled.
Comparison of Flight Distances
Graph Title
Distance in Meters
Label showing
the Responding/
Dependent
Variable and the
unit of
measurement
Start
numbering
with "0"
0
Specific
Manipulated /
Independent
Variable
Airplane 1
Airplane 2
Airplane 3
___________
___________
___________
Type of Paper Airplane
General Manipulated /
Independent Variable
Paper Airplanes 7
Step 5: Write a Conclusion
 A conclusion is a discussion of the data. A four part conclusion will
be used throughout the year.
o The question is answered and supported with specific DATA from
the lab.
o The hypothesis is accepted or rejected. A hypothesis is
never "right" or "wrong" - it is either supported by the
data or it is not supported by the data. Thus specific
examples from the lab need to be included.
o Data is determined to be reliable (good) or unreliable
(bad). Items to be aware of when collecting data
include: measuring accuracy, sample size, number of
trials, keeping everything the same.
o What other questions can be answered or what can be
done next time to improve the data?
The conclusion for this investigation has been started for you. Fill in the
blanks with your information.
The ______________ plane flew the furthest. The data proves this
because___________________________________________________
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The hypothesis is ________________________ (accepted / rejected).
Examples from the lab show that _______________________________
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The data is _______________________________ (reliable/unreliable).
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A question that still needs to be answered is
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___________________________________________________________.
Finally: Communicate Results
Professional scientists must be able to share the results of their
investigations with other scientists all over the world. The scientific
community discusses investigations with each other, repeats them,
refines them, compares them to what is already known, all in the
effort to find what is really true and accurate.
Be prepared to spend 2 - 3 minutes discussing the results of the
investigation with your scientific colleagues (classmates).