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Paper Dart Flight

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Paper Dart Flight

A paper dart moves because forces act on it. Follow the steps to investigate how its shape affects its flight. Use an open space, aim away from people, and throw gently. If you cannot throw a dart today, answer the experiment questions using the sample results: Dart A travelled 3 m; after its wings were folded evenly, Dart B travelled 4 m.

Forces at work

Think about what happens from the moment you let go of the dart.

1.Which force starts the paper dart moving when you throw it?

A push from your hand
A pull from the ground
The colour of the paper

2.After you release the dart, which force pulls it towards the ground?

3.Air pushes against a moving dart. What is this force called?

Friction, or air resistance
Magnetism
Sound

4.Circle True or False: A paper dart keeps moving through the air because your hand continues to push it after you let go.

TrueFalse

Test a design

Make or imagine two paper darts from the same size paper. Change only one feature, such as making the wings wider or folding them more evenly. Throw each from the same place, in the same way, and measure how far it travels. Use the sample results if you cannot test today.

5.Record the distances travelled. If you tested, write your own results; otherwise, fill in the sample results.

6.Draw your paper dart from above. Label its wings and nose, and show an arrow for the direction you threw it.

7.Using the sample results, which dart travelled farther, and by how much?

8.Why is it a fairer test to throw both darts from the same place and in the same way?

9.A dart veers to one side. Name one change you could try, and explain how it might help.

10.Complete the science sentence: When I throw a paper dart, my hand gives it a . Air resistance acts against its motion, while pulls it down.