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Science Fair / Paper Plane Distance Challenge

Paper Plane Distance Challenge

A classic project made into a real experiment. Students test one change at a time and measure how far each plane flies.

Version A: Paper type

Same plane design, different paper. Does copy paper, construction paper or cardstock fly farthest?

Version B: Plane style

Same paper, different designs. Does a dart, glider or wide-wing plane fly farthest?

Why it is a fair test

A good experiment changes only one thing. When students throw by hand, every throw is a little different, so you cannot tell whether the plane or the throw made the difference. A paper plane launcher fixes that. It launches every plane with the same force and angle, so the launch is kept the same.

Tested Variable (Independent)
Paper type (Version A) or plane style (Version B)
Outcome Variable (Dependent)
Distance flown, measured with a measuring wheel
Kept the Same (Constants)
The launcher and its setting
Kept the Same (Constants)
Launch spot, indoor space with no wind, and the way each plane is folded

Steps overview

  1. Ask a question. Pick Version A or Version B and write a testable question.
  2. Make a hypothesis. Predict which plane will fly farthest and explain why.
  3. Build the planes. Fold each plane carefully, following the guide’s fold patterns.
  4. Set up the launch. Tape a launch line indoors and set the launcher to one setting.
  5. Run repeated trials. Launch each plane 5 times and measure each distance.
  6. Find the averages. Average the 5 trials for each plane.
  7. Graph the results. Make a bar graph of average distance.
  8. Write a conclusion. Was the hypothesis supported? What would you change next time?
  9. Build the board. Use the board layout to show question, data, graph and conclusion.

Get the full guide

The printable guide includes a timeline, materials checklist, fold patterns, data tables, graph template, board layout and a parent page.

Get the guide on Etsy, $6

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