Method
1. Make all the paper aeroplane designs you plan on using for this experiment.
2. Cut the cotton strings at 10 metres intervals using a pair of scissors.
3. Choose a quiet and wind-free location with less to no people around.
4. Select a plane design you want to experiment with first.
5. Attach the cotton string to the rear of the paper plane you are testing by using sticky tape.
6. Choose a permanent spot to stand when conducting the experiment.
7. Mark a line with chalk or a heavy rope.
8. Place your toe on the line when you prepare to throw the plane.
9. Mark a line with a pen where your thumb touches the plane before throwing.
10. Throw the plane (before you throw the plane, make sure it is in good condition).
11. Record the distance (in metres) the plane flew by using the measuring tape, trace along the cotton string attached to the plane.
12. Repeat steps 8 - 11 for four times (4 trials)
13. Repeat steps 4 - 12 excluding steps 6 and 7 for each new plane design.
14. Calculate the average distance traveled for each plane in metres.
2. Cut the cotton strings at 10 metres intervals using a pair of scissors.
3. Choose a quiet and wind-free location with less to no people around.
4. Select a plane design you want to experiment with first.
5. Attach the cotton string to the rear of the paper plane you are testing by using sticky tape.
6. Choose a permanent spot to stand when conducting the experiment.
7. Mark a line with chalk or a heavy rope.
8. Place your toe on the line when you prepare to throw the plane.
9. Mark a line with a pen where your thumb touches the plane before throwing.
10. Throw the plane (before you throw the plane, make sure it is in good condition).
11. Record the distance (in metres) the plane flew by using the measuring tape, trace along the cotton string attached to the plane.
12. Repeat steps 8 - 11 for four times (4 trials)
13. Repeat steps 4 - 12 excluding steps 6 and 7 for each new plane design.
14. Calculate the average distance traveled for each plane in metres.
http://bcove.me/4o2v5uiu - instructions for the "Sleek Traditional plane"
http://bcove.me/cardfzsl - instructions for the "Dart paper plane"
http://bcove.me/yehoi1e6 - instructions for "Nakamura Lock plane"
http://bcove.me/hsu3uoot - instuctions for "Mighty Mite plane"
note: the aeroplane designs above each have a different shape and form enabling the experiment to be more effective.
http://bcove.me/cardfzsl - instructions for the "Dart paper plane"
http://bcove.me/yehoi1e6 - instructions for "Nakamura Lock plane"
http://bcove.me/hsu3uoot - instuctions for "Mighty Mite plane"
note: the aeroplane designs above each have a different shape and form enabling the experiment to be more effective.
Aeroplane models used in this experiment
Results
The table of results below shows the distance the plane flew over four trials and its average distance. The results brings the conclusion of the "Dart paper plane" flying the longest distance compared to all the other models shown below. With an average distance of 7.34 metres it outweighs the next best average distance of 6.67 metres and the other results by at least 0.67 metre. The trend of distance flown for each trial is inconsistent for all plane designs as each trial has a fluctuating pattern of distance (short distance to longer distance or vice versa). The shortest flying paper plane model is the "Nakamura Lock" with an average of only 3.37, an outlier from the rest of the results.
The distance and average distance flown of each plane model tested