Students should record their distances and times and average the three longest distances and the three longest times. Have students put their data onto a graph for the class, one graph of time aloft vs. wing area and the other of distance vs. wing area. Discuss the results from the graphs as a class, and then ask for predictions as to what would happen if the wings were made smaller. The cut off part should be tucked on the inside of the plane when it is refolded in order to keep mass constant. You might ask the class to provide an explanation for doing this.
Repeat steps three through six.
Have the students investigate their results using FoilSim. They can compare these results to their own experimental results. There are other factors that contribute to lift, such as velocity and shape of the wing. Students can investigate these other factors by going through the lessons that are part of FoilSim . Extension Activity Further activities that your class might try.