Paper Airplane Comparison

Before the meeting:

1. Print one copy of the folding instructions sheet and one copy of the flight distance and time sheet for each Cub Scout.
2. Ask two adults to assist. One to be the timekeeper and one to measure distance.

During the meeting:

1. Pass out handouts and paper to make the airplanes to each Cub Scout.
2. Tell Cub Scouts that they’re going to make and fly a different paper airplane design. Let Cub Scouts know that they can use any design they want, but they have the folding instructions sheet as a reference.
3. While Cub Scouts are making their planes, mark a start line. Cub Scouts will stand behind this line when they fly their planes.
4. After all of Cub Scouts have finished folding their airplanes, explain that they’re going to fly them five times and record how far they travel and how long they stay in the air.
5. Ask Cub Scouts to line up behind the start line. One at a time, have Cub Scouts fly their paper airplane.
6. Have the time and distance keepers announce the results and remind Cub Scout to record their numbers on their sheet.
7. Have the next Cub Scout in line fly their paper airplane. Repeat step 6.
8. Continue steps 5, 6, and 7 until all Cub Scouts have flown their airplanes five times.
9. Ask Cub Scouts what features the paper airplanes that flew the furthest have in common.

Tip: This activity can be done with the make a paper airplane activity for requirement 1.