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Why can't airplanes fly to space?

Why can't airplanes fly to space?

Lesson narration:
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DISCUSS:

Why does TILTING your hand make it suddenly start to LIFT?

hand tilt
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Featured Reviews

“The kids loved the hands on activity but also really enjoyed giving their ideas on why planes could not get to space”
“The kids really enjoyed making the planes and flying them in the classroom.”
“Brilliant. Timing was perfect before school vacation where students were going on vacation. It was a nice addition to math to gather data and chart it. Loved the lesson and had so much fun.”
“The directions were very clear and easy to follow. The students enjoyed the video where the jet engines were blowing a van across the runway.”
“My students really enjoyed the lesson! Most of them expressed how much they were learning as a result of the activities we did together. Thank you!”
“My students testing their V-Wing Gliders on an course created with cones. The cones were separated by a distance of 6 feet. Each group of either 3 or 4 had challenge rounds to eliminate the pilots or control towers. The final winner of the rounds then competed to see who was the overall class winner. It was wonderful to see them engaged and eager to "challenge" each other.”
“The students loved making the planes afterward and I noticed they tried to incorporate the newly acquired knowledge.”
“My students LOVED testing out their gliders and seeing what adjustments they can make to make their glider go even further. ”
“Students were engaged and tried to problem solve ways to improve his/her plane.”
“Getting to go outside and fly our gliders! The students LOVED this activity and also learned lots about the science while having fun. ”
“Retention! Kids remembered the concept”
“Kids loved it! Easy to follow along with the video directions. Many took their paper airplane home to figure out how to do the "challenges".”
“Ever since I began using Mystery Science my students cheer for science. They had a blast flying their gliders, and trying to figure out how to get their glider to fly further or longer.”
“I liked flying the plane and seeing the strapped down plane try to fly. I think it is cool to finally learn how a plane flies and why they can't go to outer space!”
“The lesson was perfectly timed and I love that the direction videos are on a loop. It really allowed for me to step back and encourage active listening and independence. My students had to take initiative and focus to build their planes. ”
“My Special Education students LOVED this lesson and activity!”
“The kids had a blast! I did not help them with folding at all and most weren't folded very well. They still flew better than any airplanes I've ever seen. The kids were thrilled!”
“My students loved flying their gliders. We made it a competition. It was also fun to explain how important the control tower is. ”
“The excitement in the students'eyes when they flew their planes was amazing. The challenges on the bottom of the sheet were great for students.”
“The students are testing their airplanes right now! Everything was clear and easy to do. Students were very engaged. Thanks”
“Every bit of it! The research and explanation was superb, and the directions were so well done that the students had great success.”
“Good way to build teamwork but also encourage critical thinking...ex: what would happen if I add another paperclip to my glider?”
“My students loved testing their gliders and seeing who could fly theirs the furthest. I loved that the "control towers" offered tips on how to improve the flight.”
“Of course my class LOVED the lesson. The paper airplane activity was a major hit. The kids even went on to test the air on their hand with the car window open. ;)”
“The kids really enjoyed making their airplanes and flying them.”
“I loved how you assigned roles of pilot and control tower. The clear directions and organization made this a great classroom activity. Thank you for the tips sheet and teacher management ideas! Amazing lesson, as usual! :)”
“The best part was the look on their faces when I told them we were making paper airplanes in class today! The second best part was watching them try to make the gliders do the loop-de-loop and boomerang! Thank you!!”
“The students loved making and flying their planes. We used it as a math lesson to show skills in measuring. Great fun.”
“My kids loved flying the planes and pretending they were pilots on a runway. Watching where their planes would land was equally mesmerizing. "Look it did a looped d loop!" I loved watching them adjusting their V and explaining it needs more air. That's why it's called an air-plane. Thanks Guys! You make science so easy.”
“The children loved testing the airplanes and trying to improve the flight. The pilot and control center roles kept them focused. I gave them time to work on tweaking their planes and they came up with great ideas, using the clues and coming up with their own.”
“What a fun way to teach about flight. The airplanes were a hit and some of my strugglers were super successful.”
“Students were so engaged during the plane building time!”
“They loved the extension activity and we had glider contests. It was fun to see them think about how to change their gliders and their throwing arm.”
“The flying competition at the end gave the students an opportunity to be inventive with their planes to try to keep them airborne longer.”
“The kids loved making and flying the airplanes! I loved the inclusion of the classroom management tips, I can tell you have teachers at heart!”
“The directions were very clear, my first graders could follow along!”
“The students loved adding personal touches to the plane. I loved that you gave them a timer!! ”
“Excellent Lesson. Students loved writing about their investigations.”
“My Special Education students loved flying their planes in the gymnasium”
“Great step by step directions and plan for 'launching' planes!”
“the terrific directions on folding. ”
“Realizing the best place to hold the glider, as well as being gentle.”
“having the kids try out the glider and discover the air was making it glide”
“It was a great lesson. We all had a blast making the planes and throwing them around. Controlled and uncontrolled. ”
Lesson narration:

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Flight & Forces

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this mini-lesson, students learn how airplanes fly--and why they can’t fly to space! In the activity, "V-Wing" Glider, students get to build and launch their own paper airplanes. Based on their tests, they can adjust their designs to try to make it stay in the air longer.
Preview activity

Grades K-5

Current Events And Trending Topics

Flight & Forces

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Why can't airplanes fly to space?

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