Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What is the design difference between the three paper planes. Each plane with added drag part is clear but is there a difference between Plane 1/2/3? If they are the same, what is the purpose.
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... planes-fly

Paper Plane Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Flight 4 Flight 5 Average
Plane 1
Plane 1 with Added Drag
Plane 2
Plane 2 with Added Drag
Plane 3
Plane 3 with Added Drag

Hi - It is important in a science experiment to do multiple tests to help ensure the results are repeatable.

The three planes you see listed would be 3 "trials" -- repeating the test with another plane folded the same way to see if the data is consistent.

Step 2 in the procedure confirms that you are to build 3 planes, all identical (for the three tests): Build two more so that you have a total of three paper planes. They should all look identical.

You can read more about this in this section of the Scientific bleep Guide: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... procedures

Amy
Science Buddies

Thanks.

Is the assumption that adding 'flaps' creates friction and slows down the plane and adds drag?

Hi - Adding flaps increases the drag. This is mentioned in several places in the project. For example, in step 10: "Once you have flown plane 1 five times, add flaps to the back of the plane to increase its drag."

There is some explanatory information in the introduction to explain drag, but this is a concept you and your student may want to do a bit more research on.

Amy
Science Buddies