One Day Lesson: Center of Gravity

Airplanes are a balancing act. Just like when two people play up and down on a see-saw, an airplane can tilt depending on how the air pushes on it. If the two people weigh the same on the see-saw, then they can balance. This is what we want an airplane to do. If the airplane balances in the correct spot, it will fly smoothly through the air.

1. Assemble your glider but leave off the quarters. Note, you can find our 50 Cent Flyers on our home page or product page ... completely for free!
2. Tape on the two quarters at a location if your choosing
3. Try and balance the airplane on your fingers
4. Note where the balance point is. This is called the Center of Gravity, or C.G. 
5. Use the scientific method to see how placement of the C.G. Affects the flight
6. Throw your plane!
7. Try several placements if the C.G. And describe your findings.

Scientific Method Jump Start!

Title: "The effect of C.G. placement on glider stability"

Question: How does changing the C.G. placement of a glider effect how it flies?

Observe: Where is the C.G. on the glider now? How does the airplane fly?

Hypothesis: you got it from here!