Today in class we learned about the scientific method and how to collect data after an experiment.

(This is a picture of me picking up a paper airplane)

We, as a group, believed that the largest paper airplane would fly the furthest because of the added weight. For our experiment, we tested 3 paper sizes, 11×17, 11×8.5, and 8.5×5.5 threw each size 5 times and recorded the average distance. One of the biggest issues we ran into was how difficult it was to control; moreover, the planes would fly back to us when throwing them, some would fly so inaccurately that it would fly downstairs, and one of them even hit me in the forehead:). Our hypotheses were rejected as the smallest plane flew the longest distance, and by quite a bit as well. From the largest to smallest plane the average results were, 2.07m, 1.41m, and 5.61m respectively.

(Harry throwing a paper airplane)

The smallest plane was light enough to defy gravity, allowing it to fly for extended periods of time. During the experiment, I also learnt that human mistakes may occur. Dynamic characteristics and the balance between gravity, lift, drag, and thrust, in my opinion, must be thoroughly analyzed in order to provide the most accurate results possible.

(Dynamic shot, absolutely thrilling)

Next time, I would also be interested in creating different plane designs to further test our hypothesis. Overall I really enjoyed this 2 day experiment and would definitely do it again.