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Fast Cars

Classroom Activity

• copy of "Slow Riders" student handout (PDF or HTML)

1. To give students some practice using the scientific method to design a vehicle, copy and distribute the "Slow Riders" student handout. Provide materials and have students follow the instructions for assembling the helicopters.

2. Allow time for them to experiment with the helicopters to see how they fly.

3. Next, challenge the students to make helicopters that fall as slowly as possible. Using a stopwatch or a clock with a second hand, have students determine the time it takes for their helicopters to fly to the ground from a height of six feet. What modifications change the speed of their helicopters?

4. As a class, apply what everyone learned to design a super-slow helicopter.

The shape and the placement of weight can have a significant effect on the flight speed of the helicopter. Using the pattern provided, students may find that they can alter the helicopter's shape to make the blades relatively longer than the body. The ratio of body length to blade length has a direct relationship to the speed. Longer blades will make the helicopter fly slower. If the blades are curled upward, their shape will slow the descent of the helicopter. With regard to weight, a heavier helicopter will drop more quickly. Adding more weight (such as another paper clip) will make the helicopter drop more quickly.