Start Simple - Air Surfing with walk-along gliders by ScienceToymaker.org

[HilldaFlyer]

Starting model flight for groups is a challenge. I've done the following activity with cub and boy scout groups and with my fellow R&D scientist (who are really molecular biologists, genetic engineers and computer geeks). I started with gliders, very simple gliders, walk-along gliders. A really great resource for science fun, including flight, has been captured by sciencetoymaker
http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Air Surfing with gliders made from thin sheets of styrofoam are really easy to make and fun to fly. Several of my work friends thought is was so much fund that they took sheets of foam home and propagated the experience to their families. Several models can be made with common materials that are typically thrown away. The on-line resources are free pdf plans and video instructions. Materials are styrofoam packaging, hot wire cutter, plans, scissors, tape and a little piece of wire.

http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/airsurf/index.htm

This activity will teach your group the principles of flight without spending $$ on motors, ESCs, servos and the transmitters. It will keep young boys busy for hours gliding their creations. Contests are a great way to induce the creative juices as each person uses the principles of flight they have learned to create the best performing glider in distance competitions, longest flight times etc.

Then, step forward using Adam's foam core board to build larger hand-toss gliders. The next leap is into Flight Test motorized planes. Another intermediate step would be rubber band powered planes.

Good luck - HilldaFlyer

 

[RussellHamilton]

Starting model flight for groups is a challenge. I've done the following activity with cub and boy scout groups and with my fellow R&D scientist (who are really molecular biologists, genetic engineers and computer geeks). I started with gliders, very simple gliders, walk-along gliders. A really great resource for science fun, including flight, has been captured by sciencetoymaker
http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/

Air Surfing with gliders made from thin sheets of styrofoam are really easy to make and fun to fly. Several of my work friends thought is was so much fund that they took sheets of foam home and propagated the experience to their families. Several models can be made with common materials that are typically thrown away. The on-line resources are free pdf plans and video instructions. Materials are styrofoam packaging, hot wire cutter, plans, scissors, tape and a little piece of wire.

http://www.sciencetoymaker.org/airsurf/index.htm

This activity will teach your group the principles of flight without spending $$ on motors, ESCs, servos and the transmitters. It will keep young boys busy for hours gliding their creations. Contests are a great way to induce the creative juices as each person uses the principles of flight they have learned to create the best performing glider in distance competitions, longest flight times etc.

Then, step forward using Adam's foam core board to build larger hand-toss gliders. The next leap is into Flight Test motorized planes. Another intermediate step would be rubber band powered planes.

Good luck - HilldaFlyer

This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing, I am ordering a class package this afternoon for a Gifted and Talented Elementary class.