Taking Flight

Have you ever wondered how an airplane takes off from the ground and maintains flight?  Understanding how forces affect a plane’s flight is important in knowing how the plane moves and the factors that can affect flight.  The main four forces are:

Lift-When pressure above the wings of the plan are low and the pressure under the wings is high along with increased speed of the plane.

Thrust-the force that generates lifts by pushing or pulling an aircraft forward.

Drag- Outside forces including air friction and air resistance that will slow the plane down.

Gravity- natural phenomenon that pulls any object down.

Do you want to see these forces in action?

Build a paper airplane and fly it across the room.  How does it move?  How long does it fly?  What can be done to improve the flight?

Need help in building a paper airplane or want new ideas in building check out Fold’NFly to help you with designs.

References:

Horton, B. (2006). Science Fun with Flight. Ohio State University Extension. Can be purchased at http://extensionpubs.osu.edu

(2021) Fold’NFly. Retrieved from https://www.foldnfly.com/#/1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2

Looking for more computer science opportunities? Contact your local OSU Extension Office to learn about programs offered in your area!

Peer-reviewed by Margo Long, OSU Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Marion County