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Builder's Lab / Week 05 / Thursday
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Week 05 · Fly Far

Thursday

Why did it spin?
// A paper airplane that flies 10 feet
⏱ about 20 min

Thursday: Why Did It Spin?

Rocket's plane spins in a circle every time.

"Four feet, five feet, four feet," Nova reads.

Rocket picks it up. "We can improve it!"

Raven holds the plane up to the light. "What do you notice about the wings?"

"They are not the same size!" Rocket says.

VersionThrow 1Throw 2Throw 3Past 10 feet?
Rocket version 14 feet5 feet4 feetNo

Find the problem

One wing was bigger than the other.

The plane spun and dropped down early.

The crew will change one thing: make both wings match.

READ THE TABLE
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What was the farthest throw for version 1?
Did version 1 meet the goal?
ONE FAIR CHANGE
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Which plan changes only one thing?
Rocket wants to match the wings and add a clip. Is that fair?
Engineer tip
Fold carefully. Press each crease flat.
Line up the wing edges before you crease.
Draw your plane with matching wings.

Check for a pattern

Rocket's three throws were 4, 5 and 4 feet.

They were all short and close together.

When results match, there is a clue.

Something about the plane was the same each time.

PLANE DETECTIVE
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What did every flight of version 1 do?
What did Raven notice about the wings?
How many throws were short?
IdeaTrue or false?
Results that match can give a clue.?
The crew will change the thrower.?
Careful folds help wings match.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEPatterns help engineers find the real problem.
Try it
Lay your version 1 plane flat.
Look at it from the front.
Do both wings look the same?
Safety first
Keep plane noses away from eyes.

You found the problem. That is real engineering!

Tomorrow, we fly version 2.

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