A Paper Airplane Design Challenge took place recently for advanced 8th grade science classes in the Westerville City School District, as part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Design Challenges Series. Students were asked to construct and fly a paper airplane to reach the maximum distance possible. The planes had to be made using only one piece of standard letter-sized copy paper. Pupils could use paper clips, scissors, and clear tape to modify their paper by folding, cutting, or paper clipping. For many participants, this was the first time they actually constructed and flew a paper airplane. They further developed a working understanding of the principles of flight.
Blendon Middle School student Joey Thoma, taught by Angie Crego, flew a plane that went 63 feet 11 inches. Heritage pupil Madinah Bintshahiydullah Binraymon, taught by Chad Brisentine, created a plane that went 95 feet. Walnut Springs’ Grant Johnson, taught by John McCoy, flew a plane that reached 97 feet.
The Science and Gifted Education Departments supported the Design Challenge.