Copy the following figure onto A4 card with the sizes shown.

Cut out the shape. Draw lines on your cut-out shape with the sizes shown in the next figure. Note that some of the lines are dashed and some are not. Make sure you draw them as shown.

Make cuts for the ailerons and elevators as shown. Do not cut along the dashed lines. Before launching the glider, make sure that the room is draught free and that there is nothing (and nobody) in the way.

To launch the glider, hold the fuselage just behind the wings, at shoulder height. Aim slightly downwards and gently push the glider through the air.

The nose of the glider may rise too steeply, causing it to stall. This is probably because the front is not heavy enough. To make it heavier, fold the front edge of the wings back along the first dashed line on the top side. Stick the fold down with some transparent tape.

Continue to make these folds until the front is heavy enough. If needed, you could add paper clips to the front to increase the weight.

The ailerons and elevators are used to make the glider change direction. See what happens when the left aileron is raised and the right one lowered. Try to explain why it moves in this direction. Now try to make is turn in the opposite direction.

What effect does raising the elevators have on the flight of the glider? Find out and explain what happens when the elevators are lowered.

Also consider these questions. Why does the glider eventually fall? What does it need to keep it in the air? Can the elevators be positioned so that the glider stays in the air longer?

Teachers' Notes

You can extend this activity. Have the students make at least three gliders of the same design but from different materials. For example, use different weights of paper and cardboards.

Have them consider other questions.

• Is a smooth surface better than a rough one?
• Which student's glider flew fastest? Farthest?
• Can you vary the aerodynamic shape of the glider? Might a tailfin help?