Mini-Copters

Mini-Copters and Paper Clips

Today we w​ill experiment with a mini copter and 0, 5, and 10 paperclips.

Poll

How do you want to word the question you have about mini-copters and paperclips?

• How many small metal paper clips will make the copter fall faster?

• Will the paper copter fall faster if I put more paper clips on it?

• How many paper clips will make the copter fall the fastest?

Research

Take notes on your lab sheet about how the maple seeds work. The mini-copters work the same way.

Poll

What fact did you find most interesting?

• When the copter has less mass, it spins faster.

• It spins because it has wings and little air tornadoes form under them.

• Sometimes it falls straight down because it is too heavy.

• Wind can carry it to other places.

Poll

What is your hypothesis for the mini-copter and paperclip question?

• I think (pick 0, 5, or 10) paper clips will fall the fastest.

• I think the more paper clips I have, the copter will fall the fastest.

• I think the less paper clips I have, the copter will fall the fastest.

Poll

What are the Independent and Dependent Variables?

• The Independent Variable is the amount of  paper clips.

  The Dependent Variable is the time it takes for the copter to fall.

• The Dependent Variable is the amount of paperclips. The Independent Variable is the time is takes for the copter to fall.

Poll

What are the constant variables? (Click all that apply.)

• The same copter

• The same amount of paper clips

• The same dropping technique

• The same paper

​Make this chart in the results section of your lab sheet.

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​On the back of your lab sheet, create this graph.

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​Next Steps:

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1. Follow this procedure steps 5 and 6 for 0, 5, and 10 paperclips.

2. ​Record your results in the chart.

3. ​Analyze your data by finishing the graph.

4. ​Make a conclusion by comparing the results to your hypothesis.

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