Whirlybird
Supplies, instructions, resources, and worksheets are below!
Whirlybird
Project Description
How does a helicopter fly? Create a paper whirlybird and find out! Drop it from different locations using different weights (paper clips) to see if it drops faster. Record your findings on the Investigative Worksheet.
Activity Time
Short (about 1/2 day)
Adult supervision required if dropping the whirly bird from high places.
Supplies Needed
Printer paper
At least 3 paper clips
Stop watch or timer
Whirlybird template (below)
Investigative worksheet (below)
Masking Tape
Scissors
Whirlybird Template
Investigative Worksheet
Learning Objectives
Basic engineering and construction principles
Understanding gravity
Understanding weight and distance
Investigating and making charts
Strengthen problem solving
Vocabulary Terms to Understand
Look up each word and write their definition.
gravity
weight
height
aviation
helicopter
motion
velocity
distance
Alternative Instructional Video
Instructions
1. Print the Whirlybird Template and Investigative Worksheet.
2. Follow the template instructions to cut and assemble your whirlybird.
3. Make a table like the one below on the back of your Investigative Worksheet to record your findings.
4. Get a stop watch or timer and have an adult help you.
5. Drop the whirlybird from different heights using different amounts of paper clips as weight on the whirlybird.
6. Does the whirlybird fall faster with more weight?
7. Record your findings and discuss with your teacher what happened.
More Resources
How to Make Paper Helicopters
NASA: What is a Helicopter?
Wikipedia: Helicopter
Why does adding weight to an object affect the speed in which it falls?
Questions
How does a helicopter work?
How does weight affect the speed at which it falls?
How does height affect the speed at which it falls?
How does height and weight affect the speed at which it falls?