Planes and Boats - Presentation

The presentation "Planes and Boats" delves into the physics of how these vehicles operate, specifically focusing on the principles of powers and how design affects performance. Students are prompted to consider how altering the shape of a paper plane can impact the distance it travels. They are also encouraged to suggest appropriate materials for constructing a boat. The learning journey begins with an engaging story, "The Way Back Home" by Oliver Jeffers, which can be read or watched to set the context for the exploration of flight and buoyancy.

Through hands-on experimentation, students observe the characteristics of different paper plane designs. They construct and decorate their planes, considering how their shapes may influence speed and distance. By testing narrow and wide planes, measuring flight distances, and adding variables like paper clips, students learn about aerodynamics and the importance of a plane's weight and shape. Similarly, in exploring buoyancy, students place various materials in water to determine whether they sink or float, leading to discussions about density and material properties. They then apply this knowledge by creating boats of different sizes from various materials, observing their buoyancy and ability to carry additional weight. The presentation concludes with reflective questions that underscore the importance of experimentation and how changes can affect outcomes, reinforcing the concepts of physics in real-world contexts.