Physics with Gliders

This assignment requires that you design and make a glider that demonstrates one or more scientific principles (physics).

Do not select a design that is too complicated. It is best to select a design that clearly and simply demonstrates a principle of fluids. Whatever the design is, you should have figured it out completely, with appropriate schematics and mathematical modeling.

The Design Activity has five parts:

1. Developing a Design

2. Library research on the scientific principles behind the Glider

3. Preparing a written report including the following aspects
a. Physical description of the Glider
b. at least two photocopied articles that pertain directly to the principle(s) upon which the Glider operates

4. Demonstration of the Glider and scientific principles behind it to the class:

Operation and explanation of the Glider behavior is the most important part. You must show that you have used observational skills, made up a hypothesis, predicting the behavior, making quantitative observations, controlling different variables and your own experimenting. You should also include ideas about how to improve the Glider.

5. Answering questions from the class and the teacher

Approximate time for presentation: 5 minutes or less

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