How to Make a Hoop Glider

Supplies Needed:

1. Straws

2. Lightweight Paper or Cardstock

3. Tape

4. Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut Your Hoops: Cut two strips of paper, one longer than the other. The longer strip can be around 2 cm wide and 15 cm long, and the shorter strip can be 2 cm wide and 10 cm long.

2. Create the Hoops: Form each strip into a loop and secure the ends with tape to create two hoops, one bigger than the other.

3. Attach the Hoops to the Straw: Tape the hoops to the ends of the straw. The larger hoop should go at the back (this will be the rear of your glider) and the smaller hoop at the front.

4. Balance Your Glider: Check that your glider is balanced. The larger hoop should act as a stabilizer and help the glider stay balanced in flight.

5. Test Your Hoop Glider: Hold the glider in the middle of the straw with the smaller hoop at the front and gently toss it forward. Experiment with different amounts of force to see how it affects the flight.

Discuss the principles of flight and aerodynamics with them as they build and test their gliders for an added STEAM element.