Boomerangs and Paper Planes

Combine art, math, and science with two high flying projects!

SCIENCE - Kids test out four different boomerang designs to find out what shape has the most soaring potential, while learning about aerodynamics. Print out boomerang templates on cardstock. ART - Besides the templates, try designing your very own boomerang shape. How does it compare to the templates? Trace around your stencils on cardboard and cut. For a large class, have each student in charge of making one boomerang template above and one, one of a kind design (homework). 

Then, comes the big test. MATH - They use their math skills to measure the distance of each boomerang with a tape measurer. Before you test them out, make a prediction. Which boomerang will fly the highest? Which one will soar the farthest? Record the distances of each boomerang on the sheet below. Also, write down your observations. 

ART - Kids research a unique paper plane design and construct it at home. Encourage kids to get super creative with their airplane. No basic paper plane designs! They bring it back to school to see how it flies in comparison to their peers' designs. MATH - Fly the planes outside and measure the distance their planes land. SCIENCE - How does paper plane design, construction, and even adornment affect flying potential? Students record their planes' distance, as well as observations in their notebook.