Audience
Students
Grade Levels
Grades 5-8
Subject
Physical Science, Flight and Aeronautics, Forces and Motion
Type
Hands-on Activities, Lesson Plans / Activities
Wind Tunnels Student Guide
The Wind Tunnels Student Guide is in two parts. In part 1 you will explore what wind tunnels are and what they are used for, and then design your own airplane model and test it in a small wind tunnel. In part 2, your goal is to build the most aerodynamic airplane model from the materials provided. The criteria is to travel the shortest distance (centimeters) in the wind tunnel.
Some constraints to the activity are:
- You must use all of the materials provided.
- No extra materials can be used and finally
- Wingspan of the model cannot be wider than the tunnel.
Materials
For the Wind Tunnel:
• Long rectangular cardboard box with the ends removed
• Small portable fan
• Tape
• Ruler
• Box cutter (optional)
• Saran wrap or other clear plastic (optional)
For the Aircraft Models:
• Tape
• Cardstock/cardboard
• Paperclips
• Scissors
• Cardboard tube (from toilet paper roll or paper towel roll)
• Popsicle sticks
• Foil
• Toothpicks