Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My daughter is new to science fair projects and has a question about how to refer to using the whirly-bird template in the procedures section. Does she say something like, "Use the whirly-bird template to make 3 different types of whirly-birds: one with scalloped edges, one with sleek edges, and one with jagged edges." Does she then go on to list out the template instructions for cutting out and assembling the whirly-birds? Also, where and how does she include the template on the display board? Does she simply include it as a figure and glue it down? Thank you.

Hi,

Just to clarify, I presume your student is working on the experiment cited here:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p015.shtml

This is a very simple, yet intriguing study of the effect of trailing edge profile on the drag produced by air foils, and how Mother Nature often has unique and innovative solutions to problems of physics.

For her project, she will need follow the scientific method. It is described well on this site at:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... thod.shtml

Part of what she needs to do is to form a "hypothesis". For this experiment is would be something like "A curvy profile on the trailing edge of a whirly-bird makes it fly longer." She would then do the experiment described to prove or disprove this hypothesis.

She would communicate here experimental results at a science fair via the display board, described here:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... oard.shtml

In the procedure part of the display board is where she would describe how she made the whirly-birds from the templates. She should'nt have to put the templates on the display board, just describe how she used them. However, it would be a good idea for her to include the templates she used in her laboratory notebook.

I hope this helps. If you have further questions, please post again and one of our experts will do their best to help.

I'm glad you're working with your student on this project. It's so important that parents support their childs' scientific pursuits.

And it's import to HAVE FUN!