Can a Shoebox Fly???

NASA Digital Learning Network Challenge

Problem: Design and produce a shoe box which will produce the most efficient gliding flight.
Criteria:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Glider must move forward for at least 3 meters.

Glider must demonstrate an efficient positive glide slope ratio.
Glider must not break on landing.
Gliders glide slope and aspect ratio must be determined.
Teams will prepare a final presentation of results and understanding.

Constraints:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Glider must include an intact shoebox in its design.

There are no material constraints.
Working, research and testing time limit will be set by the teacher.
Final presentations are limited by time. Approximately 5-6 minutes.

Phases of project:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Research and design.

Submit a proposal. Proposal must include a drawing (including dimensions) and materials list.
Build and test fly. Document each flight results and any changes to design during this phase.
Prepare presentations for NASA DLN conference. Use guidelines outlined below.

Test flights:
Record the following data on a student-created data table for each test flight: altitude (how high the
glider was released from), distance it covered, glide slope, aspect ratio, total time aloft, notes about
the flight (such as flight quality, any changes needed to be made, etc).
Presentations will need to include a visual of the gliders flight, such as a video or sequence of
images. So record at least one flight during testing.
Student Presentations of results:
You will present the results of your design and testing to Ms McKinley at NASA on March 5 th. Use the
Flight Log and Powerpoint template to prepare your presentation.

Aspect Ratio: Length of the wing divided by

the width from leading edge to trailing edge
(cord).
So this paper wings aspect ratio is 10in/2in =
5

Some Resources:
Beginners guide to aeronautics: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/bga.html
FoilSim: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/FoilSim

Phase 1: Research
What is aerodynamics?

How are Newtons Basic equations of motion used to help us explain flight?

What is known about the motion of a free falling object?

Describe three forces and how they act on a glider: Lift/ Drag/ Weight

How do the properties of gas change through the atmosphere?

How do you determine the glide slope ratio?

What do you hypothesis is an efficient positive glide slope ratio?

Phase 2: Submit a proposal. Proposal must

include a drawing (including dimensions) and
materials list.