The Notion of Motion Exhibit, opening Sept. 25, provides opportunities to explore different kinds of motion in exciting new ways.
A fluttering piece of silk will allow visitors to visualize air currents. Get started experimenting to find out what helps an object fly through the air by making this unusual paper airplane.
Use stiff paper or an index card to make three strips of paper that are 1 inch wide and 5 inches long.
Tape one of the loops ends together, so that it makes a hoop. Next tape the other two strips together and tape the loose ends together to make a larger loop
Tape the two loops on to the top of the straw at either end. Place the straw on the middle of a piece of tape, with the sticky side up. Press the loop gently on top of the tape, securing it to the straw.
Hold your plane by the middle part of the straw, with the small loop pointing forward. Launch your plane by throwing it forwards. The loops of paper act as the plane’s wings and give the plane lift so that it can glide through the air.
Experiment by using different size loops or adding a paperclip to the front.
