Van Arsdale PTSA

VA Science Fair 2018 Challenge: Gliders

The Challenge:

• Students will design and construct a glider which will fly the longest amount of time before hitting the floor or stopping on another object

Participants:

• Individual student or team of two students from 4^th – 6^th grade

Permitted Materials:

• Foam materials
• Paper, cardboard, poster board or construction paper
• Wires or pipe cleaners
• Craft or popsicle sticks
• Rubber band and hook (if used to power launch)
• Any type and amount of glue, tape, string or staples can be used for fastening

Rules:

1) Gliders can only be made from the materials listed.

2) Purchased kits are not allowed.

3) The maximum size of a glider must not exceed a wingspan of greater than 6 inches.

4) A glider, which meets all requirements, but appears to the judges to pose a danger to persons or property, will be disqualified at the sole discretion of the judges.

5) Each student/team will be permitted one glider at the contest.

6) Gliders may also be painted or decorated.

7) The glider may be launched by-hand or using a rubber band.

8) The launch angle is determined by the contestant.

Judging:

1. All flights times measured by a judge are official flights, regardless of distance achieved.
2. Each team is allowed 2 flights; the best flight of the 2 will be recorded as the student’s/team’s score.
3. In the event of a tie, a single flight fly-off will be held.
4. Gliders can be repaired or modified between trials if necessary.

Awards:

Longest Flight Individual: 1^st & 2^nd

Longest Flight Team: 1^st & 2^nd

Contest Details:

• Competition will take place on Friday, February 16,2018 in the school gym during the Science Fair (4:30 – 7:30 pm). The contest will follow project judging at approximately 6:00 pm.
• Bring your glider on Friday morning (8 – 8:40 am) so it can be displayed during the day for the class visits. Parents must supervise setup and cannot leave students unattended until 8:40 am.
• Registration deadline is January 19, 2018. Every participant must have a registration form submitted, preferably online at www.vanarsdaleelementary.digitalpta.com. Paper registration forms can be found on the Van Arsdale PTSA website as well.
• Gliders must be picked up at the end of the fair on February 16.
• Students are permitted to submit both a project and participate in the glider contest.

Questions to help your design:

• What is the science behind flight?
• How can you design your glider to control its flight path?
• What are the best materials to give structure but limit weight?
• What is the best way to launch your gliders to increase time, not just distance?

Parents are encouraged to HELP their children in these ways:

• Read and discuss these rules and guidelines.
• Plan and manage project work, documentation and deadlines.
• Help by asking questions and steering your child towards the solution.
• Help with research.
• Ensure your child’s safety.