Students were given the direction and guidelines for researching shoebox gliders. Initially, students constructed two gliders which failed to fly. They then brainstormed ideas about materials and aerodynamics. The result of their work are the three gliders below. (See Initial Results.)
After examining the Initial Results, the students found that the "Jet Glider" flew the best and had the greatest length of flight. After examining the initial results of the glider, the students decided the winning plane could further be improved. After final modification, the plane was taken outside for its final flights. The results for the final flight, the steps the students took to modify the shoebox, and pictures of the final winning "Jet Glider" are listed below the Initial Results.
INITIAL RESULTS
Fish Glider
Length of Flight (Measured from backend of glider)
Height Thrown From
1. 58"
2. 58"
3. 58"
20' / 240"
16'3" / 196"
14' 6" / 174"
Ratio of Length of Flight/ Height
1. 4.14 2. 3.38 3. 3.00
Wright Brothers Glider
Height Thrown From
Length of Flight
1. 58"
2. 58"
3. 58"
17' / 204"
17' / 204"
10' / 120"
Ratio of Length of Flight/Height
1. 3.52 2. 3.52 3. 2.06
Jet Glider
Height Thrown From
Length of Flight
1. 58"
2. 58"
3. 58"
49' 6" / 594"
46' / 552"
62' 6" / 750"
Ratio of Length of Flight/Height
1. 10.24 2. 9.52 3. 12.93
Final Results of the Jet Glider
Launch Height 58" 58" 58"
Distance 594" 552" 750"
Glide Ratio 10.24 9.52 12.93
AVERAGE
58"
632"
10.89
ADJUSTMENTS MADE FOR FINAL FLIGHT
VIDEO OF FINAL FLIGHT
1. Adjusted the rudders to keep the plane flying straight.
2, Turned main flap down and outside two flaps up.
3. Added tape to the main fuselage for increased air flow.
