Left, Right, Paper Planes
Learning Standards/ Science Foundation 4: Engineering. Early learners develop foundational skills in learning and understanding how to solve problems using the engineering design process.
SC4.1: Demonstrate engineering design skills
- Infant – Explore and manipulate human-made objects
- Younger Toddler - Begin to construct and deconstruct using readily available materials
- Older Toddler - Notice whether the solution was successful
- Younger Preschool - Use classroom objects that function as simple machines to enhance play
- Older Preschool - Select materials and implement a designated plan
Materials Needed
Airplanes Take Off and Land by Byron Barton, template of a paper airplane, and paper.
Could use - https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/make-and-color-a-paper-airplane.html
Part 1: Read-aloud
My First Counting Book by Cindy Entin
Part 2: Discussion
Ask the students if they have ever flown a paper airplane. Let them know that they are going to have fun flying paper airplanes and learn about using math to have fun.
Part 3: Activity
- Allow each student to fly a paper airplane. Have them carefully walk to the plane after they fly it, counting off their steps
- After everyone has had a chance to fly the paper airplane, ask them which arm they used to throw it
- Instruct students to have a second turn, using a different hand to throw. Again, have them carefully walk to the plane after they fly it, counting off their steps
- Ask them which hand threw the airplane farther. (Their steps might need to be recorded if they are too young to remember.)
- Note: A hula hoop may be used as a targeted landing zone to control where the airplanes are flown.
Part 4: Summary
Today you learned about flying airplanes. You learned about which arm threw a paper airplane farther. You can make paper airplanes and practice flying them and counting how far they go. How far will your paper airplane go the next time you fly it?
