All science projects require questions that the project is created to answer. A second-grade science project on paper airplanes can focus on the different styles of airplanes and how folding a paper airplane differently affects its flight. For instance, some styles require a different number of folds than other styles. Does the number of folds affect how far the airplane flies? Another question could be whether wind can affects the flight of paper airplanes.
You can construct paper airplanes in several ways. Find instructions in library books or on the Internet. To create a basic design, use a typical 8 1/2-by-11-inch piece of paper. Fold it in half along the longest side. Crease the fold. Reopen the paper. Fold both top corners in and toward the center to create a point at the top of the paper. Crease the folds. Fold the upper outside corners into the middle of the paper similar to the previous fold. Crease the folds. Refold the paper along the center crease. You should now have a triangular shape. Fold each long side down slightly to create wings for your paper airplane. You can also use other styles, depending on the questions to which you seek answers.
Once you have created the paper airplanes you need for your project, you can begin the project. The procedure for your project will depend on your question. For instance, if you want to test the effect of the number of folds used to create the airplane, note how many folds each airplane contains. Launch each airplane in the same wind conditions, from the same height and with the same force. If you are wondering about the effects of wind on paper airplanes, create multiple airplanes of the same style or use the same one. A fan can help you create different wind conditions. Throw each airplane at least three times under the same conditions for the most valid results.
Whenever you launch the airplanes, whether the conditions are the same or different, record your observations and other information. Note the conditions in which you launched the airplanes, especially when conditions are variable, such as wind speeds. Record how far each plane flies under which conditions. When recording the distance a paper airplane travels, have a partner mark where the airplane lands.