The Paper Airplane Experiment Scientific Method We will

The Paper Airplane Experiment

Scientific Method � We will be using the scientific method when conducting this experiment. � The scientific method involves following six general steps in sequence. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Problem Hypothesis Procedure Data Analysis Conclusion

The Paper Airplane Experiment �In this experiment, we are going to test paper airplane flight distance. �We want the planes to fly as far as they can. �We want to design an experiment to test how the addition of paper clips will affect the flight distance of the paper airplane.

Step 1 - Problem �Always in the form of a question �Tells you what the lab or experiment is trying to find out �Very specific “How does adding paper clips to a paper airplane affect its flight? ”

Step 2 - Hypothesis � An educated guess about what you think the outcome of the experiment will be � Does not have to be “right” but should be based on prior knowledge � Must relate back to the question � Usually start with “I think…. because…” I think adding paper clips to the airplane will ……. . If paper clips are added to the __(location)__ of the paper airplane, then……

Variables Controlled – things that are kept the same in an experiment Controlled Variables for the Airplane Experiment: Type of Airplane Type of paper Same amount of thrust and flying conditions Independent – one thing that you changed in the experiment Independent Variables for the Airplane Experiment: Amount of paper clips

Step 3 - Procedure � � A detailed numbered list of the steps needed to do the experiment All steps, no matter how small, must be listed Procedure for the Airplane Experiment: 1. Create a paper airplane that you believe will fly far. You can create your own design or find one online. 2. Keep the type of amount of thrust and the location the same for each test (Control Variables) 3. Test the airplane at least 2 times with each amount of paper clips. (Independent Variable) 4. Test the airplane twice with no paper clips, twice with one paper clip, twice with two paper clips……. 5. Record the length of the longest flight for each. You can use a measuring tape or a meter stick.

Step 4 - Observation/Data What you SEE happening during the experiment Recorded information that can be put into the form of charts, graphs or drawings � All results of valid, even if they are not what you expect! � � Longest Flight Clip in front No paper Clips 1 paper Clip 2 paper Clips 3 paper Clips 4 paper Clips 5 paper Clips Longest Flight Clip in middle Longest Flight Clip in back

Step 5/6 – Conclusion/Analysis � A summarizing statement about what happened in the experiment � Should answer the question that was asked in the problem � States whether the hypothesis was correct or not Conclusion/Analysis Adding paper clips to the airplane _____ affect the length of its flight. The more paper clips that were added to the airplane………. If paper clips are added to the __(location)__ of the paper airplane, then……