Fourth Grade Science Investigation
by Amanda Kooser
April 07, 2008
All of the Highland Elementary 4th graders had a chance to build and test flight a plane. They were given specific directions on how to build their plane. Each group had to test flight their plane on a flight line of 400 centimeters of fishing line. Even though each group had identical planes and flight lines, the planes did not fly the same. The propeller was attached to a rubber band and a hook. In order for the plane to move, the “scientists” had to wind their plane. The number of winds soon proved to make a big difference on distance across the flight line. After test flights were completed, the groups were allowed to make modifications to their planes to hopefully enhance flight. Choices of modifications included adding passengers (paper clips), wings, or more rubber bands. While each group demonstrated their modified plane, audience members predicted what was going to happen. Ending the investigation, it was discovered that more rubber bands and wings helped flight while passengers slowed flight. Click on the link below to view pictures of the investigation.
