Details
This model is best suited for first time builders.
Delta Dart
| Level: Beginner | Duration: 2 - 3 class periods |
| Grade Level: NA | Author: Kidder |
| Topics: Aerodynamics, lift, drag, balance, patterns, center of gravity, center of pressure, 3-D modeling, problem solving | |
| Materials: Model Airplanes - Stop watch, Tape Measure, scissors, sticky notes, paper to make class data table and record results. | |
Objective
Observe, test, record, and change the model airplane to obtain the longest possible flight.
Description
Kidders Model Airplanes activity is uplifting. The four forces of flight are explored as students build rubber band-powered model airplanes, the Delta Darts. After construction, the airplanes are fine-tuned for optimum flight. Students observe the flight characteristics of the models with adjustments for optimal flight.
Procedures
Students construct Delta Dart rubber band-powered airplanes from Kidder. After completion, students keep a flight log for each flight of their Delta Dart, observing flights, recording flight paths and flight times, and recording changes made to the plane between flights.
Students will compete to obtain the longest possible Delta Dart flight. Flights should occur within a large gymnasium with the heating and air conditioning units off. Students may work in teams of two to facilitate winding and timing of the Delta Darts. Teams may use either plane’s best flight time for the competition.
This activity can be broken down into three days.
Flights on the first day should be restricted to trimming the airplane and determining how the number of winds affects altitude gain, diameter of flight circle, and length of flight.The third day will be the application of the findings of the two prior days, incorporating problem solving to determine the optimum combination of windings and sticky notes to complete the best flight.
Discussion restricted to trimming the airplane and determining how the number of winds affects altitude gain, diameter of flight circle, and length of flight.
The second day’s flights can include the addition of small sticky notes (no larger than 1-1/2" x 2") applied to control surfaces of the plane. These will alter the flight characteristics, which students can observe and record.
What is the optimum combination for the longest flight? Why is that? Continuation
Now build another airplane with the same combination. Does it yield the same results?
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