Fourth-graders at New Hyde Park Road School in the New Hyde Park Park-Garden City Park School District are learning about Newton’s laws of motion in Project Lead the Way with STEAM teacher Sal Giurlanda.
As part of their study, the fourth-graders analyzed the features and benefits of different types of wing designs and stabilizers. They then tested both by adding them to a Styrofoam fuselage, and propelling them into flight with a rubber band attached to a binder. Mr. Giurlanda tasked students with adding weight to their planes to simulate a rescue supply drop.
Throughout the process, the students wrote down their observations, collected data and recorded their flight times using their iPads. They also measured the distance of their flights depending on the wings and stabilizers used. The fourth-graders worked together in groups, discussing their findings and coming up with solutions to ensure better and more successful flights.
