STEM Activity Paper Airplanes and How Far They Can Go

Materials

 GOOSE paper
 tools to measure and record length (rulers, strings, tapes, markers…)
 tools to record the data (pencils, markers, paper, notebooks…)
 large flat area to fly the airplanes and to record the length (classroom, hallway,
gym…)

Instructions

1. Each student makes a paper airplane.

Students either follow the teacher or do it their own ways.

2. Fly the airplane 3 times and record the length in total.

3. Change the airplane for the first time by adding two more folds as shown in the
picture below.

4. Make predictions on how far this airplane can go.

5. Fly the airplane 3 times and record the length in total.
 6. Change the airplane for the second time by removing the two folds from Step 3
while adding two more folds, as shown in the picture below. Tear the paper a little
so the two new folds can stand.

7. Make predictions on how far the airplane can go this time.

8. Fly the airplane 3 times and record the length in total.
9. Present the data in diagrams.
10. Analyse the data and discuss about air resistance, calculation of length, and other
topics related to the activity.

Connections to the Curriculum

Grade 2 Mathematics

B. Number Overall expectations

B2.4 Addition and Subtraction use objects, diagrams, and equations to represent,
describe, and solve situations involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers that add
up to no more than 100

D. Data Overall expectations

D1. Data Literacy manage, analyse, and use data to make convincing arguments and
informed decisions, in various contexts drawn from real life

D1.1 Data Collection and Organization sort sets of data about people or things according to
two attributes, using tables and logic diagrams, including Venn and Carroll diagrams

D1.3 Data Visualization display sets of data, using one-to-one correspondence, in concrete
graphs, pictographs, line plots, and bar graphs with proper sources, titles, and labels

E. Spatial Sense

E2. Measurement compare, estimate, and determine measurements in various contexts

Grade 2 Science

A1. STEM Investigation and Communication Skills use a scientific research process, a
scientific experimentation process, and an engineering design

A1.3 use an engineering design process and associated skills to design, build, and test
devices, models, structures, and/or systems

Reflect on Pulley #1
Pulley 1 is about engineering design. A well-designed STEM activity can engage students in
learning from hands-on tasks to minds-on comprehension. Students are more motivated
when they relate learning to experimenting in real-life settings and actual problem solving.