PowerUp 3.0 Paper Plane Time Challenge

Activity developed by Redland City Council Libraries

Participants will work individually to fine tune the design of a paper plane in an attempt to have the longest flight time with a Bluetooth propeller attached. The planes will be controlled by a connected tablet.

This activity encourages participants to think creatively to produce a paper plane that will fly the furthest given a set of pre- determined parameters and control the plane using the tablet.

• Paper
• Paperclips
• Bulldog clips
• Scissors
• Gaffer Tape for marking distance
• PowerUp 3.0 bluetooth propellers
• Tokens
• Stopwatch (or smartphone)
• Organise tablets and ensure the PowerUp app is installed
• Ensure all parts for the remote control paper planes are in the box
• Charge the tablets
• Set up the flying area by taping off a no-walk zone

Time: 15 min
Introduce all staff members; speak about what the activity is, what we will go through today and what will be achieved in the timeframe.

• Housekeeping (toilets, emergencies etc.)
• Hand out tokens as participants enter.
• Show video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0T-AicGVXs
• Demonstration of Bluetooth Paper Plane
• Explain rules:
  • Judge’s decision is final
  • Three tokens only per participant. Each token represents a small amount of ‘bonus’ flight time.
  • The decision at flight time to use tokens is final. Participants will need to weigh up if they should use a token for a longer flight time or save them for upcoming rounds.
  • If flight times in the following rounds are shorter than previous recorded times the past results are null and void. The environment is a major player in the conditions at the time of flying.
  • Participants are given one minute grace period to find the best weather conditions – after the minute the participant is automatically disqualified.
  • New planes cannot be made. If a plane crashes amendments such as perfecting folding creases and adjusting the rudder and elevators as well as weights is allowed.
  • The same paper plane design is to be used by all participants.
  • The placement of the Bluetooth propeller will be the same on each

plane.

Time: 20 min

• Have participants make the paper plane by using the power up 3.0 design instructions at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Am9HxLY_WYU
• Allow participants to test the design and prototype any alterations desired to increase fly time.
• Encourage participants to adapt design, adjusting elevators, sharpness of creases, plane size, etc.

Time: 30 min

• Run 'knockout' rounds of plane flights, timing each flight with the stopwatch. Each individual has their turn until two are remaining for the final round.
• If possible, this activity should be run in a large space or outdoors (during calm weather)
• Staff may decide whether to provide a small prize to the overall winner, or post their photo announcing them as the winner of the competition

Time: 5 min
At the end of the session, ask for volunteers to share their learnings or how they found the session. Thank everyone for their participation and team work.

• Paper plane folding tips and tricks (Plane stability)