Improve Slider’s Glider

Make a sample Slider’s Glider for demonstration with your child. Use the 3- and 6-segment strips as described on the printable. If possible, watch the Cyberchase episode “The Fairy Borg Father” with your child.

Ask your child if he’s ever wanted to make a change to something to make it work differently or better. Explain that inventors do this, too. First they identify a key feature (or features) that needs changing, and think about how they could change it to improve the invention’s performance. Then they test each change and keep track of the results. This part of the invention process is called refining and optimizing.

Directions

For the Glider Test Flight Area: Mark off a starting line with masking tape. Allow at least 15 feet from the starting line for the glider to glide, plus enough room behind the line for your child to throw his glider safely.

Give your child the “Slider’s Glider” and “Test Results” printables. Explain that Slider needs his help. He invented a new type of air glider that uses rings instead of wings and wants to make it glide farther. How might he change his design so it does this?

Use the glider you made ahead of time to test how far Slider’s model glides. Measure the distance with your child, and then review the “Test Results” printable, so he understands how to record his test results.

Ask your child to follow the directions on the printable to get started. As he works, ask questions or make comments to keep him on track. For example, "What part of the glider do you want to change? Should you use different-sized loops? Add more loops? Put the loops in different places on the straw?" As your child experiments, encourage him to make just one change at a time before testing the results. That way, he can keep track of what effect his change has on the glider’s flight.

Once your child has found the design that glides the farthest, invite him to share what changes he made to get the results he wanted.