Making a Glider (craft)

Introduction:

George Cayley was an English Scientist who lived from 1773 to 1857 and invented the science of modern flight through his experiments with gliders. By observing how birds fly he designed the first wing structure for an airplane and in 1849 Cayley sent a small boy up in one of his gliders, thus becoming the inventor of the first manned aircraft.

You too can make a glider similar to the one that George Cayley made in the 1800's. Simply gather the materials and follow the instructions below. Here are some questions for you to think about while you make your glider.

Questions to Consider:

• How is a glider like a birds wing?
• Why does a glider fly?
• How does changing the wing flaps change how far the glider goes and how long it stays in the air?

Materials:

• One piece of Paper
• Scissors
• Tape

Procedure:

• Take a normal 8 ½ X 11 piece of paper and cut it into half long ways. The paper should now be 4 ¼ X 11.
• Lay the paper in front of you so that the longest ends are on the sides. Fold the bottom of the paper up about an eighth of an inch about six times.
• Take the paper and wrap it into a circle with the folds on the inside. Tape the edges together.
• Toss the glider folded side first and watch it fly!