Science 10 Paper Airplane Assignment

Does the length, width or weight of a paper airplane affect how far it can travel?

History Behind Paper Planes:

Scientists back in the day would use paper planes to study flying. Paper planes were believed to have originated 2,000 years ago in China But some say it was Jack Northrop who invented the paper plane.

Hypothesis:

If we add weight to the airplane then the plane will go the farther because it will increase the speed of the plane using weight

Variables:

Dependent: Distance Flown

Independent: Weight, Length and Width.

Controlled: Material style size

Materials Used.

3 Pieces of 8×11 paper

5 Paper Clips

6 Pieces of tape

Trials                                                                                           Average

Length: 15.3ft          10ft          14.3ft          9ft          17.2ft          13.16ft

Width: 15.8ft           27.5ft          23ft          20ft       18.1ft          22.6ft

Weight: 9.6ft              10ft          12.9ft          12.9ft        12.9ft         13.6ft

Conclusion:

My hypothesis was wrong and actually the Airplane with the most width flew the greatest distance. I expected width to be last place but it ended up being in first while the weighted one which i though would win flew the least distance. I’ve learned from this experiment that the size of the wings usually makes the plane fly the farthest.

Next time I do this experiment i will choose differently on which will fly the farthest. I would also use less weight on  the weighted plane.