Paper Airplanes Help Youth Explore STEM Topics
go.ncsu.edu/readext?818396
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲One fold, two folds and a third – ready to fly! Most people remember a time when they made a paper airplane, whether it was out of boredom or just for fun.
Exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts can be done with simple, low-cost materials and through at-home experimentation. For example, families with youth interested in STEM can explore physics and aerodynamics using paper planes.
(Photo courtesy of Rakicevic Nenad) A paper airplane is released into the sky. Youth interested in physics can learn from paper airplanes taking flight and connect ideas to how rockets propel into space.
After making several paper airplane models, youth hypothesize or make an educated guess about which model will be the most accurate when flown towards a target. In addition to accuracy, paper airplanes can also be tested for distance.
Adults should inquire about youth thought processes to encourage critical thinking and reflection. Ask them, “What happened with your paper airplane? Did it fly the way you thought it would? Why or why not?”
Other questions adults could ask are, “Would you change anything about your paper airplane? If so, what?”
To keep older youth engaged with this type of activity, an added element of challenge may be needed. STEM offers many examples of real-world applications, and paper airplanes are no different.
By making your at-home paper airplane experiment space themed, adults can discuss how physicists might ask similar questions when they help build rockets. Have older youth research Bernoulli’s principle and how it relates to airplanes.
Youth in Caldwell County ages 8-14 are invited to register to attend a STEM challenge event called “Galactic Quest” on Saturday, October 23, 2021, in Lenoir. The event will begin at 1 p.m.
(Graphic courtesy of National 4-H Council) Caldwell County 4-H invites local youth ages 8-14 to attend a special STEM-focused event called “Galactic Quest” on Saturday, October 23. Learn more at go.ncsu.edu/galactic.
Galactic Quest explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Youth activities will explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture.
This event will be facilitated by scientist Melissa Mitchler from North Carolina State University and hosted by Caldwell County 4-H. The cost is $10 per youth participant and youth must be enrolled before October 23 in 4-H Online, which is free to do. For assistance with the fee for youth, contact 4-H youth development agent Sarah Kocher at sarah_kocher@ncsu.edu.
If possible, families should also plan for one adult per family to attend (free of charge) with youth registrants.
Youth registration for Galactic Quest is open at go.ncsu.edu/galactic.
For more at-home STEM ideas, visit 4-H at Home.
Caldwell County 4-H is a member agency of United Way, and it enthusiastically supports its partnerships. Learn more about Caldwell County 4-H programs online at caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.
Sarah Kocher is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Caldwell County. The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of NC State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and publications.