Pairs
This activity, done in pairs, helps students understand force, mass and measurement.
Additional Resources
Books
The Great International Paper Airplane Book, by Jerry Mander, George Dippel and Howard Gossage; a Fireside Book Published By Simon and Schuster; New York
The force used is air from the lungs. Therefore, the more air forced from the lungs the farther and faster something will go. What happens then, if you have three similar objects, the same design but of different mass?
2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests.
3. Understand Science Concepts and Principles.
Invitation to Learn
This is a force, mass and measurement activity. Children work in pairs; one participates while the other measures. Children will create 3 planes, powered by a straw, out of 3 different kinds of paper. Find a place to set up. A long hallway is fine. Using masking tape set up a starting area by making a "toe" line. This is the spot where all participants will start. Then measure off 3 feet (1 yard), 6 feet (2 yards) and 9 feet (3 yards) and make tape lines with the measurements noted.
Instructional Procedures
Curriculum Extensions/Adaptations/ Integration
Family Connections
Research Basis
Tomson, K. E. Show and Tell: Journal Writing Every Day: Teachers Say It Really Works! Education World. Professional Development, Curriculum.
An overview of journal writing in the classroom and the benefits derived from daily writing. The teachers who spoke ranged from high school to first grade. All believed that it improved writing skill; grammar, spelling, structure and communication abilities. The surprises were the enhancement of the teacher/student relationships and the willingness to write about all subjects, including math. Some stated that it was a slow daily process, but the rewards were more than worth the effort.