Can You Design An Airplane For National Aviation Day?

National Aviation Day is August 19th! It's the national observation that acknowledges the development of aviation. Celebrate with our new STEM challenge.

What you need per person/group...

• Can You Design An Airplane For National Aviation Day? Creator Sheet
• Clothespins
• Different Sized Popsicle Sticks
• Glue
• Buttons For Nose Of Airplane
• Marker or Crayons To Color Airplane
• Ruler

What you need to do...

• Students will begin by picking groups and/or working independently. Pass out a Creator Sheet to each student or group.
• Have all items passed out at tables (Clothespins, Popsicle Sticks, Glue, Markers, & Button)
• Once students have all of the items, students are to take two of the longer popsicle sticks and glue one on the top and one on the bottom of the mouth of the airplane. Students will need to try to plan out how far back those wings should be placed.
• Students will measure how far back they put the wings, so they can compare with classmates at the end.
• Next have students take a smaller popsicle stick and glue it on the tail of the airplane, measuring how much space they leave from the back of the clothespin.
• Now it's time to add a propeller! Have students grab another small popsicle stick for the front of the clothespin and glue it into place.
• Once the propeller is in place, add the button for the final touch.
• On your Creator Sheet, answer the following questions: Do you think your airplane will fly? Why or why not?
• If you want to take the chance, try to fly your airplane! How far did it go and did you lose any pieces?

We would love to see you try this STEM Challenge. Share your results with us through social media!

Happy Making,

Maker Maven