In an effort to streamline my Instructables for training purposes, I am recreating my classic Rubberband Helicopter in step-by-step format.
The rubberband-powered helicopter is a favorite of my students because of the ease of construction and the exciting end product.
Learning Objective:
Students will investigate the ideas of lift, drag, and stored energy as they each build their own helicopter. Furthermore, students will learn how the aforementioned ideas work together to create a successful flying machine. Promoting the process of learning physics through direct experience and experimentation is the ultimate goal of this project.
The Lesson Plan:
Difficulty: 2/5
Prep work: 1/5
Setup time: 1/5
Cleanup: 1/5
Total time from start of lesson to end of cleanup is approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on age level and how the project is conducted.
Show students how the helicopter works right away to quickly get their attention. Explain how the helicopter works and the function of each part as you demonstrate it.
How It Works:
1. Energy is stored in the sport rubber by winding the propeller.
2. When flown, the sport rubber rapidly releases its energy by unwinding, which turns both the propeller blade and the paper cutout.
3. The paper cutout pushes against the surrounding air, which creates horizontal air resistance, or drag. This makes it harder for the cutout to spin. Because the cutout does not spin as easily, more energy from the sport rubber is released into the propeller, which is much easier to turn. In this way, the paper acts like the rear rotor of a real helicopter
4. As the propeller spins rapidly, it begins to create lift by pushing air downward. With enough energy, the helicopter will fly in whatever direction it is pointing.
Step by step, construct a helicopter in front of the students. When you're finished, show students the proper technique to flying the helicopter. Tell your students that flying the helicopter takes practice. Hand out materials and allow students to begin building.
Take the students outside (or to a gymnasium) to fly their helicopters after everyone has finished. Bring scissors, extra paper, tape and rubberbands with you. Remind the students how to fly the helicopter upon arrival.
Adapt this lesson to fit your class. Middle school students will find more challenge in figuring out how to build a helicopter without guided practice. Perhaps you prefer to build first, then follow up with a Q+A to understand the theory. Do what works for you.
Encourage the students to experiment, be willing to fail in the pursuit of the perfection. When everything is done you're students will have a first-hand understanding of how helicopters work and a fun new toy!
The rubberband-powered helicopter is a favorite of my students because of the ease of construction and the exciting end product.
Learning Objective:
Students will investigate the ideas of lift, drag, and stored energy as they each build their own helicopter. Furthermore, students will learn how the aforementioned ideas work together to create a successful flying machine. Promoting the process of learning physics through direct experience and experimentation is the ultimate goal of this project.
The Lesson Plan:
Difficulty: 2/5
Prep work: 1/5
Setup time: 1/5
Cleanup: 1/5
Total time from start of lesson to end of cleanup is approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on age level and how the project is conducted.
Show students how the helicopter works right away to quickly get their attention. Explain how the helicopter works and the function of each part as you demonstrate it.
How It Works:
1. Energy is stored in the sport rubber by winding the propeller.
2. When flown, the sport rubber rapidly releases its energy by unwinding, which turns both the propeller blade and the paper cutout.
3. The paper cutout pushes against the surrounding air, which creates horizontal air resistance, or drag. This makes it harder for the cutout to spin. Because the cutout does not spin as easily, more energy from the sport rubber is released into the propeller, which is much easier to turn. In this way, the paper acts like the rear rotor of a real helicopter
4. As the propeller spins rapidly, it begins to create lift by pushing air downward. With enough energy, the helicopter will fly in whatever direction it is pointing.
Step by step, construct a helicopter in front of the students. When you're finished, show students the proper technique to flying the helicopter. Tell your students that flying the helicopter takes practice. Hand out materials and allow students to begin building.
Take the students outside (or to a gymnasium) to fly their helicopters after everyone has finished. Bring scissors, extra paper, tape and rubberbands with you. Remind the students how to fly the helicopter upon arrival.
Adapt this lesson to fit your class. Middle school students will find more challenge in figuring out how to build a helicopter without guided practice. Perhaps you prefer to build first, then follow up with a Q+A to understand the theory. Do what works for you.
Encourage the students to experiment, be willing to fail in the pursuit of the perfection. When everything is done you're students will have a first-hand understanding of how helicopters work and a fun new toy!
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials
Materials and Tools:
6" hook nose propellers
Craft sticks
Paperclips
Rubberbands
Cardstock
Masking tape
Scissors
The cost per helicopter is around $0.65 when 50+ propellers are purchased for the bulk discount.
6" hook nose propellers
Craft sticks
Paperclips
Rubberbands
Cardstock
Masking tape
Scissors
The cost per helicopter is around $0.65 when 50+ propellers are purchased for the bulk discount.
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Qamar zaman says:
Apr 7, 2013. 8:26 AMReply
not well
puffkin007 says:
Feb 17, 2013. 6:03 AMReply
what size propellers did u use? which one from the catalog?
21
awesomecreations says:
Jan 2, 2013. 5:51 AMReplyI build many kinds of model aircraft and because I can't buy propellers and associated parts to hold it and the rubber band, I usually build these from bits of rubbish laying around my room. To build a prop, I cut and bend a piece of plastic of the right strength/flexibility before gluing it to 2 beads and a piece of wire. For the part that holds the propeller shaft I cut a pen lid in half and glued one part to the side of the other to house a stick for a fuselage and poked a hole in the cap for the wire to fit through. Also, have you thought about making a rubberband powered autogyro? I made one a few months back and it works pretty well.
twighahn says:
Oct 15, 2012. 10:57 AMReply
this would be a great way to have a party activity
22
WYE_Lance (author) says:
Oct 15, 2012. 11:09 AMReplyIndeed it is - I've conducted this activity for birthday events as well as in the classroom. I've also used it at a local festival as a craft for kids.
27
artworker says:
Oct 1, 2012. 12:11 AMReplyLovely! I can see my students having fun making it!
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