Paper Airplanes and Scientific Methods

What type of lesson is this?

Date:
Direct Instruction related to Paper Airplane experiment
October 28, 2014 (Tuesday)
and Scientific Methods
Audience/Grade:
Subject:
Duration:
6th grade
Science
45 minutes
Analysis of Learner: The students must understand the Scientific Methods and
incorporate it into the experiment. (Paper Airplanes) The students must also understand the
different variables associated with the experiment as well as trial methods and positive and
negative feedback.
State Standard(s): TX-TEKS.110.24.8.1.A
112.20-8.1A, 8.1B, 8.2ABC, 8.3A
Objective:
The student will be able to use different trials by constructing paper airplanes with an
unchanged release point (launcher) and include different trials to successfully measure how
far the paper airplane will travel.
Additional Objectives
1. The students will successfully launch paper airplanes with an unchanged
variable and measuring the distance of the airplane
2. Conditions will include: size of the plane, weight, color, size of the launcher
3. Students will successfully use meter sticks to determine the distance as well
as different factors that could affect the flight of the plane. (i.e.-size, shapes, color if
added)
Materials/Web links/Citations: notebook paper, meter sticks, tape, colors.
Safety Hazards may include: the flight of the airplane within the limits of the
classroom/hallway. Making sure the students are using the materials appropriately
Procedure(s):
I. Mention paper airplanes and ask students who is able to make one. Also include the
materials
for the experiment and possibly display the launcher before the students walk into the
classroom
II. Direct instruction incorporated with paper planes and different variables associated with
the experiment

Diverse learning needs may include: Assisting students who may be having difficulty
with the experiment, Having airplanes ready to use for the special education students in
the classroom

What can be used for changes in speed/distance to the airplane? Are the students
measuring the distance accurately?

Students will be monitored for distance accuracy, the making of the paper airplane,
the different variables to change the flight of the plan
III. The students will successfully conduct several trials and use different independent
variables to calculate the distance of the paper airplane. Also, ask the students what they
liked and didnt like about the experiment as well as summarize what they learned from the
experiment
Assessment of Learning
The students will be able to successfully conduct the experiment by using the trial
worksheets to collect their data as well as graph their data according to the flight distances.
Students will learn to measure distances as accurately as possible and use their skills to
control the independent variables of the experiment