This project explores what effect different wings have on the aerodynamics of a paper airplane. Make a paper airplane that has wings like a regular jetliner; something like a Boeing 737 or similar. Make another paper airplane that has delta wings; these are the type of wings on most jet fighters. You can get ideas about how to make these types of paper planes from Websites such as Alex’s Paper Airplanes, or Double X. Experiment with what happens if the plane has longer or shorter wings. Test the aerodynamics by throwing each plane several times and make a note of the distances they fly.
Real airplanes have elevators on their tail fins. This enables the plane to climb or descend. It also affects the airflow and can slow or speed up a plane. This project replicates the effect an elevator has on the aerodynamics of the paper airplanes. Bend the rear edges of the wings on both airplanes slightly upward. Throw the planes and record what happens; you find the planes fly upward. Now bend the edge of the wings slightly downward; the planes loose height quickly when you throw them. This is because you have altered the airflow over the wings, which changes the aerodynamics.
Weight and balance are essential elements when considering the aerodynamics of airplanes. The same rule applies for paper airplanes. Use the two paper airplanes from the previous project for this project. Attach paper clips to various parts of the planes. Start by attaching one to the nose and then test each plane. If the plane continues to fly, leave the paper clip in place and attach one to the tail and test again. Note the difference to the way the plane flies, depending on the weight distribution. Put the paper clips in different places and add more until the plane can no longer fly. This is the point where the weight is greater than the lift produced by air flowing under the wings.
The movement of air greatly affects airplanes; this is the reason why a plane can fly. This project test what happens when a paper plane flies into a headwind and what happens when a paper plane has a tailwind. Gets the kids to estimate what will happen, then turn on a fan to simulate wind. Throw the paper planes toward the fan. Make a note of what happens. The plane slows down, but also climbs higher. This is because the amount of air flowing across the wings has increased. This gives greater lift so the plane can climb , but the speed decreases. Now throw the planes so the air from the fan is behind the plane. It goes much faster and can fly further, although you notice that it descends quicker. The flow of air from the fan is pushing the plane, but the amount of air flowing across the wings is less, so there is less lift and the plane descends.