Discover Engineering in Central Texas

This experiment is provided by Cyberchase from PBS Kids.  Additional background information, and handouts are provided by the Women in Engineering Program at UT Austin.

Grade Level:  Elementary School, 1^st-6^th

Related classroom topics:  Transportation Engineering, Aerospace Engineering

Supplies Needed: 

Divide students into groups of 2-3.  Each group should receive: 

·        2-3 “Bunny Copter” strips (see attachments)

·        2-3 paper clips

·        Crayons

·        Scissors (optional)

Procedure: 

1.      Give each group the above supplies.

2.      Color the bunny’s face.

3.      Starting at the top of the Bunny Copter Strip, count down two boxes.  Cut or tear along the dotted line to the solid line to make the “ears.”  Fold one ear forward on solid line and the other back as seen in handout.

4.      Hold up copter as high as you can and then let it drop.  See how fast it twirls before hitting the floor.

5.      Hand out more strips and allow students to make changes until the students can develop the best Bunny Copter.

Extensions: 

For older groups, allow each student to have several bunny copter templates to create their helicopter.

Related topics you could discuss:  Air lift in Space Engineering, wind power

Hints/Tips:  Print and cut out Bunny Copter templates (available in attachments) before the presentation to the class.  Create several of your own Bunny Copters as demonstrations for the class.

Experiment Submitter:  Cyberchase from www.pbskids.org/cyberchase