Cardboard Glider Competition
The Challenge
The
Challenge is to design and construct a cardboard glider. A glider will be
defined as a winged craft that could transport people if constructed to
full-scale and built of more rugged materials. Basically a "plane"
design, no aerobies, frisbees, etc.
Materials
1.
A maximum of 32 square feet of single ply cardboard
2. Any kind of tape, unlimited use
3. Teams of 2-4 students
Glider Specifications
Must
have at least one wingspan of 1 meter tip to tip. Should withstand the rigors
of flying outside or in the gym through multiple trials
Scale Model
All
teams will first make a scale drawing of their design including
1.
A top view
2. A side view
3. Dimensions (with scale)
4. Calculations of the amount of cardboard the full-scale glider will use
Once
the drawing is complete and approved, the teams should make a scale model out
of poster board and use a scale of 1:5
Objectives
1.
Greatest
distance flown (from launch to where first comes into contact with the ground).
2.
Greatest
accuracy (consistency of gliding through goal posts).
3.
Longest
hang time (time in air).
4.
Best
overall (best combined scores).
Judging
One
judge for the distance contest will make sure that the throwers throw within the
three-foot box. Another judge will be posted to mark where the plane first
comes into contact with the ground. The distance will be measured from there.
Only
one judge is needed for the hang time competition. They will time when the
glider leaves the thrower's hand until it hits the ground
One
judge for the distance competition will make sure that the throwers throw
within the three-foot box. Another judge will be waiting to make sure that the
plane goes through the 2x2 poles that are ten feet high and to start are one
meter apart off of each wing. They get two chances to make it through the
poles. If the make it through, move the poles in to one-half meter. They must
go through the poles, not over, like plane coming in for a landing. Continue to
move the poles in farther until the glider cannot make it anymore.
Source: http://phs.mat-su.k12.ak.us/projects/gliders/