Resource Description
Turn a favorite classroom activity into a rigorous, print-and-go STEM investigation. In this lab, students test how a paper airplane’s angle of attack changes flight distance while practicing the full scientific method. Learners define variables and controls, follow a consistent launch procedure, collect and organize data, and create a graph to identify the best angle.

A clear teacher guide explains the science of lift, drag, and stall so you can teach with confidence. Minimal materials (paper, protractor, tape, measuring tape) make it easy to run in one or two class periods.

What’s Included

• Teacher guide with setup, safety, background science, pacing
• Student packet with driving question, hypothesis prompts, variables table
• Step-by-step procedure for testing 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° angles
• Data collection tables for 10 throws per angle
• Summary table and graphing page (Average Distance vs Angle) - graph paper included
• Analysis questions with model answers
• Simplified rubric for design, data quality, graphing, CER, collaboration
• Optional extensions for inquiry (nose weight, wing dihedral, design changes)

Why Teachers Love It

• Engaging hook with clear structure and accountability
• Real lab skills: fair tests, clean data, meaningful graphs
• Easy materials and classroom-tested timing options
• Fits stations, STEM days, or sub-friendly plans

Best For

• Grades 6–10 general science and STEM
• Scientific method and variables practice
• Data analysis, graphing, and CER writing

Materials Needed

• Printer paper (one standard airplane design for the class)
• Protractors or angle cards, tape for throw line and distance marks
• Measuring tape or meter tape, student handouts, pencils

➡️ You can get this STEM as well as all my other ones in this series inside my STEM Investigations Growing Bundle. As more labs are added, the price will increase. CLICK HERE to have a look

I also have the following STEM Labs in My Store:

• Blow Cup Challenge STEM Lab
• Paper Table STEM Lab
• Pendulum STEM Lab
• Parachute STEM Lab
• Catapult STEM Lab
• Paper Airplane - Angle of Attack STEM Lab
• Bottle Flip STEM Lab
• Paper Helicopter STEM Lab
• Yeast Balloon STEM Lab
• Balloon Lift Design STEM Lab
• Candy Combustion Calorimetry STEM
• Marble Ramp: Height vs Average Speed STEM Lab
• Clean Water Filtration STEM Lab
• Beetle Genetics STEM Lab
• Adaptations by Design - Extreme Environments STEM Lab

NGSS Alignment

• MS-ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem
• MS-ETS1-2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process
• MS-ETS1-3 Analyze data from tests to compare and improve solutions
• MS-PS2-2 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the change in an object’s motion depends on the sum of forces and the mass
• Science and Engineering Practices Planning and Carrying Out Investigations; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Constructing Explanations; Engaging in Argument from Evidence