2D Scientists at Work

After a few days of preparation, students were finally ready to test their helicopters that they made to see which one could stay in the air the longest.  Using the scientific process students had to change one thing about a standard helicopter.  Some students increased the size of the body. Others added weight.  Others changed the design of the wings.  Today they timed how long their helicopters stayed in the air.

Students first thought of a question.

How can you make a helicopter slower?

Students came up with a hypotheis.

I think a helicopter with more weight will be slower because...

Students then listed their materials.

To complete this activity students need paper and paper clips.

Next students wrote a procedure.

Finally students were ready to start testing.

Students used timers to record how long it took their helicopters to reach the ground.

Students then recorded their results.

Students did three trials.

Gravity pulls the helicopter down.

Gravity is the force that makes the helicopter move..

Slower helicopters have more air resistance.

Students will then check if their hypothesis was correct.

Finally, students are ready to write their conclusions.

Conclusions tell what they have learned.

Students use scientific words in their conclusion.

Students use measurement in their conclusions.