Date: May 1994

These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.

Grade Level(s): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):

• Science/Physics

Overview: The Ringer is a successful flying machine even though it is without wings, a tail or stabilizer.

Purpose: Make a variety of alteration to the aircraft.

Objective: To determine the best design for accurate, long distance flight.

Materials:

• one straw
• one sheet of paper
• transparent tape
• scissors
• ruler
• pencil

1. Cut two paper strips - 5" x 1/2" and 7" x 3/4".

2. Tape the ends of the paper to form two loops.

3. Tape the loops to the ends of the straw.

4. Make other aircraft similar to the one above using your own ideas - use different loop sizes, length of straw, etc.

5. Conduct test flights of the aircraft.

6. Record the length, direction of flight, etc. for each design variation.

7. Determine the best design for accurate, and long distance flight.