Helicopter Lab

Introduction: Controlled experiments, the process of changing one variable to determine its impact on the item being measured, are the standard for most scientific research. Paper helicopters have a simple design with only 4 possible variables, the rotor length, the leg length, the leg width and whether or not you add weight (a paper clip) to the leg. Your task is to conduct a controlled experiment to design the best possible helicopter (following the basic design I have provided).

Hypothesis:

Procedures:

2

3

4

5

6

7

1. Cut a rectangle that is 5cm wide by 17 cm long.

2. Make a 7.5 cm line down the middle of the paper (this will mark your rotors)

3. Draw a line across the paper at the 7.5 cm mark, measure down another 2cm and draw another line.

4. Measure in 1.5cm from both sides and draw a vertical line (this will become the legs)

5. Make a small cut along the 1.5cm horizontal mark on both sides (do not cut all the way across)

6. Fold Leg A and Leg C into the center.

7. Cut rotors along dotted lines to the 7.5cm mark.

8. Fold Rotor A and Rotor B in opposite directions

9. Drop helicopter from a height of 2 meters

10. Record amount of time it takes to hit the floor

11. Choose one variable to change, measure out another rectangle (at whatever dimensions you need) and test again.

***Pro Tip: Make all measurements and marks before you begin cutting***

Data:

Graph: Create a bar graph to show your results. Remember, every graph needs a title, labels and units on the X and Y axes, should be appropriately scaled, and should have neatly drawn line or bars.

Helicopter

Rotor Length

Leg Length

Leg Width

Paperclip

Time

1

7.5cm

7.5cm

2cm

no

2

3

4

5

6

Analysis:

1. What were the dimensions of the helicopter that lasted in the air the longest?

2. Which aspects of this experiment were the constants?

3. Identify the independent variable:

4. Identify the dependent variable:

5. Explain how this activity was a controlled experiment.

Conclusion: