At‐Home Science
Experiment: Paper
Helicopters
Images and content courtesy of Exploratorium
Time: 45 minutes
Grouping: Individuals
Vocab:
Gravity‐ the force that pulls the helicopter toward the earth.
Drag‐ the air resistance to the downward motion of the helicopter.
Thrust‐ what is produced if you throw the helicopter downward instead
of dropping it. This force counteracts drag.
Materials:
● Helicopter sheet w/patterns
● Paper clips
● Scissors
Procedure:
1. Cut along all of the solid lines of the helicopter pattern.
2. Fold the lower sections (C & D) toward each other along the
dotted lines.
3. Hold the folded sections and place a paper clip at the end. Use a
paperclip to fasten the lower sections together.
4. Fold the top blades (A & B) in opposite directions.
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