Animals
Migratory Bird Wind-Tunnel Flight Path Testing
Build a customized paper-and-feather glider and test its flight path stability inside a homemade box-fan wind tunnel.
Grab 1–2 things 60 min Ages 6–11 years 1–3 players Indoor
Aerodynamic EngineeringScientific InquiryObservational TestingFine Motor Control
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Learning benefits
- 💡 This activity teaches aerodynamic principles like lift, drag, thrust, and gravity through hands-on physical testing. Children develop spatial reasoning and scientific testing methods by systematically altering variables like wing shape and weight distribution. It also fosters fine motor skills through delicate paper folding, precise feather placement, and micro-adjustments.
Safety notes
- ⚠️ Adult supervision is required when operating the box fan and cutting the heavy cardboard box. Keep fingers, loose clothing, and long hair clamped back and away from the fan blades at all times during testing. Ensure the cardboard tunnel is securely taped to the fan so it cannot tip over during operation.
Cleanup
- 🧹 Turn off and unplug the box fan before removing any tape or cardboard parts. Recycle the unused paper scraps and store the cardboard wind tunnel flat for future testing. Place the remaining craft feathers, dowels, and paperclips back into their storage containers.