Flying paper planes
Lesson idea. Geogebra has been used to produce an animated tutorial of an origami paper aeroplane). Once the plane has been made, experiments with throwing the plane show that it does not fly in a parabolic curve, as a ball would. An interactive geogebra spreadsheet to show how a ball would fall. Another geogebra spreadsheet demonstrates the flight trajectory of the plane. I have also produced a word document describing very simply, how the plane flies. I have seen how a simple idea has evolved into something much larger.
Teaching approach. This lesson features a ‘real life’ example for students to explore using visualisation(ta) via GeoGebra. The focus on ‘real life’ increases student motivation.
The activity engages pupils in group talk(ta), mathematical thinking(ta) and vocabulary(ta). This open ended(ta) task encourages higher order(ta) thinking, and encourages whole class(ta) discussion(ta)/questioning(ta) and inquiry(ta) projects. (edit)
| Resource details | |
| Title | Flying paper planes |
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| Format / structure | wiki page with downloadable .doc version |
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| Files and resources to view and download | Here are two GeoGebra activities produced by students which can be used to further stimulate new students: |
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