Robert Frost Students Pilot Paper Planes
On October 26, 2016, fourth and fifth grade students at Robert Frost rejoiced. Not only did they stay out of trouble for throwing paper airplanes in class, they were encouraged to do so.
As part of a special project idea that stemmed from Admiral Byrd Elementary School, students participated in a paper airplane challenge built off the STEM principles of science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as problem solving.
Students initially read the March Book Madness title, Rosie Revere, Engineer, to kickoff the project. In the story, the main character, Rosie, learned to celebrate her mistakes and not give up.
Students then developed paper aircrafts in the LRC’s makeshift “design studio” and piloted them in the “test lab” in the gym. Each pilot tested their airplane with four challenges for accuracy, distance, cargo, and design. Students would build an aircraft, test it, and then return to the design studio to make adjustments based on performance.
Fifth grade student Jessica P., who really enjoyed the project, said, “I liked it because all of the activities were entertaining and there was competition. I liked that you could chose what activities you wanted to participate in, and I liked that nobody judged your design or said it was weird.”
