AERODYNAMICS
Description: Build paper airplanes for greatest flight duration and length/accuracy
Number of Participants: 3 teams (2 students each) compete per 30 minute session.
The Competition:
1. Each team member receives only two (2) pieces of ditto paper and approximately five (5) cm of
masking tape. Scissors will also be
available, if desired. Students may NOT bring in any outside
materials, including premade airplanes as models.
2. Each member constructs her/his own airplane - using one or two sheets - which will resemble a
winged object. No designs like a
helicopter are permitted. One plane will be used in Part I and the
other plane will be used in Part II.
3. Each plane is launched by hand by its maker from a predetermined starting point for each part of the
event.
Part I: Duration of Flight
1. The purpose of this part is to construct an airplane that will stay in the air the longest amount of time.
It will be launched from the balcony of Waetjen Hall.
2. If two planes are used at once (i.e. in a piggyback fashion), the recorded time will be that plane which
is aloft for the shorter duration.
3. Time. The time aloft will cease when:
a. A plane becomes lodged in a permanent fixture (e.g. light, seat, the balcony, etc.).
b. A plane touches the auditorium floor, stage floor or any wall (sliding time is not counted).
c. It ceases moving in air or hits a hanging object (i.e. flight has been interrupted).
Part II: Accuracy and Distance of Flight
1. The purpose of this part is to construct a separate airplane that will fly accurately through targets and
travel the longest distance. An area of
suitable length (a hallway) will be identified at a later date.
2. Distance. The distance will be determined:
a. From the point of launch (marked off by a tape line from the launch point) to the point where the
plane initially touches the ground (regardless if the plane hits a wall).
b. Distance traveled by the plane by sliding along the floor will not be counted.
c. This will be measured to the nearest centimeter (tape measure will be set and taped to the floor).
d. Determination of the point where the plane touches the ground is the judge’s final decision.
3. Two or more hula-hoop targets will be erected (distance determined by judge). Bonus points will be
awarded for each hoop through which the airplane passes during its flight.
Scoring: The winner will be determined by combining the scores of both parts as follows:
Part I: The time in seconds multiplied by 200.
Part II: The distance in cm plus a bonus of 20 points for each target through which the plane passes.
Tie Breaker [if any]
Team with the longest time aloft in Part I.
