This is the perfect project to show how lift, drag, and weight can work together to create a working glide ratio!
Plus, it's super fun to test by flinging it off of a table!
Tools and Materials
Tips and Troubleshooting
If the gliding car nose dives, then...
- Make sure to bend the tail slightly upward.
- Make sure to stop pressing on the car just before it launches off of the table.
If the gliding turns sharply upward and crashes, then...
- Use only 1/3 of a sheet of card stock. If the wings are too big, it may generate too much lift.
- Make sure there is a weight on the front of the car. If it's still turning sharply upward, try adding more weight to the front.
If the gliding tilts to one side and crashes, then...
- Make sure the wings are bent slightly upward.
- Try making the stabilizers on the tips of the wings bigger.
- Push the car off of the table as straight as possible.
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