Choose two different glider types that you think will be worthy of entering into a mock paper glider competition – one designed for flight distance, then independently build and test your chosen designs.

Module 5 – Paper Airplane Project Part 1 – Glider Design Selection (PLG1)

The Paper Airplane Project will take place over Modules 5-8. The project will apply concepts from several modules and is worth a significant portion of your course grade.

In this project, you will choose two different glider types that you think will be worthy of entering into a mock paper glider competition – one designed for flight distance (straight line distance as measured from take-off point to landing point) competition, and one designed for flight duration (longest in-flight time competition.

Then independently build and test your chosen designs.

Finally, report the results of your independent testing to the class (where the best performing gliders of those tested in each of the two categories will be recognized) and engage in a discussion with your instructor and classmates in reflecting on your learning experiences during the project.

In completing the project, you will apply the scientific method and synthesize concepts related to aircraft performance and meteorology.