Challenge 010 · Ages 7–11
Paper Helicopter
Build paper helicopters and investigate blade designs.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 1.5 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Science
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you change a paper helicopter's blade design to control how it falls?
Learning outcomes
- Describe gravity and air resistance.
- Design a fair investigation of blade variables.
- Measure fall time and use data to identify effective designs.
Connected learning
Science: gravity and air resistance; Mathematics: timing, averages and graphs; Design & Technology: iterative design; English: scientific reporting.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Paper
- paper clips
- recording sheet.
Equipment, tools & software
- Scissors
- stopwatch
- metre ruler
- safe drop location.
Safety & preparation
- Drop from a safe, consistent height away from stairs.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.