Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. – Teacher Pages 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
45 Minutes
Objective
Students will conduct an experiment to determine if wing length will affect the descent time of a paper
helicopter. Students will analyze their data to formulate reasonable explanations and form valid
conclusions using the C.E.R. (Claims, Evidence, Reasoning) method.
TEKS
8.2B—design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making
observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using
appropriate equipment and technology;
8.2C—collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means
such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers
8.2D—construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and
identify patterns
8.2E—analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions
supported by the data, and predict trends
8.3C—identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and
materials
8.4A—use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab
journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers,
hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators,
computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the
curriculum
Guiding Questions
1. Differentiate between an Independent Variable and a Dependent Variable.
Dependent Variable—The variable that responds and is found on the Y-Axis
Independent Variable—The manipulated variable that is found on the X-Axis
2. Identify the qualitative data you are collecting in this experiment.
The spinning of the helicopter
3. Identify the quantitative data you are collecting in this experiment.
The descent time of the helicopter
Different lengths of the helicopter blades
4. What type of graph will you use to graph your data? Justify your answer.
A bar graph should be used because we are comparing average descent times.
Materials
Paper Helicopter Scissors
Stopwatch 2 Meter Sticks
Chair Paperclip
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Teacher Page 1
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. – Teacher Pages 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Teacher Notes
The paper helicopters are printed 3 to a page, but each group only needs 1 helicopter. You may
want to cut them apart before class begins.
You may need to review the following terms: Independent Variable, Dependent Variable,
Constant, Qualitative, Quantitative
D-Dependent M-Manipulated
R-Responding I-Independent
Y-Axis X-Axis
Teaching Procedure
Divide the students into groups of 3-4.
Have students go through the procedures and complete the lab.
While students are completing the lab, circulate through groups, monitoring for understanding,
and redirecting as needed.
Have students share their C.E.R. at the end of class as a reflection.
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Teacher Page 2
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R.—Teacher Pages 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Average Descent Time of a Paper Helicopter with Different
Wing Lengths
Number of Seconds for Each Descent
Propeller
Average
Wing
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Descent This is an example of what the graph should look
Length
Time like.
(cm)
Average Descent Time of the Paper Helicopter
1
As the propeller length gets shorter, the
average speed will get faster.
4
L1 L2 L3 L4
Length of the Paper Helicopter Wings (cm)
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Teacher Page 3
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. – Teacher Pages 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Prompt
How does wing length affect the descent time of a paper helicopter?
Claim
The length of the wing affects the descent time of the paper helicopter because the __shorter_____
the wing length, the shorter the descent time. The _____longer______ the wing length, the
longer the descent time.
Evidence
The data shows that when the wing length was reduced each time, the change in descent time,
____increased/decreased___________________. On average the descent time for the longest wing
length was ____(answers vary)___________________________ seconds while the average descent time
for the shorter wing length was _____(answers vary)____________________ seconds.
Reasoning
When the wings were _____shorter_______ there was less air resistance to slow it down.
As the wing length _____decreased_______ so did the descent time.
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Teacher Page 4
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Name:_____________________________ Date:____________
Period:____________
Objective
Students will conduct an experiment to determine if wing length will affect the descent time of a paper
helicopter. Students will analyze their data to formulate reasonable explanations and form valid
conclusions using the C.E.R. (Claims, Evidence, Reasoning) method.
Materials
Paper Helicopter Scissors
Stopwatch 2 Meter Sticks
Chair Paperclip
Procedures
1. Be sure you only cut along the SOLID lines, never cut along the dotted lines. You will be using the
same helicopter model for all four wing lengths, so be sure you leave all four length sections of
your helicopter model intact.
2. Prepare your helicopter by cutting around the outside edges of your helicopter model.
(See figure 1)
3. Cut down Line A, but be sure to stop when you get to the dotted line.
(see figure 2)
4. Cut lines B and C, but be sure to stop when you get to the dotted line.
(see figure 3)
5. Fold the bottom section up so that the words are on the inside, and then fold the left and right
sections so that the words are on the inside.
(See Figure 4)
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Student Page 1
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
6. Place a paperclip on the bottom of the helicopter to increase the mass.
(See Figure 5)
7. Fold the shaded section of the wings on the dotted line toward you and fold the unshaded section
of the wings on the dotted line away from you.
(See Figure 6)
Figure 5 Figure 6
8. One member of the group should stand in the chair and hold on to the helicopter by the
paperclip.
9. Drop the helicopter from a height of 2 meters. Do not throw the helicopter, just release it. When
you drop the helicopter, start the stopwatch. Stop the stopwatch when the helicopter hits the
ground.
10. Use your Data Sheet to record the number of seconds it takes for the helicopter to reach the floor
(descent time).
11. Complete three trials at wing length 1, and record your data each time.
12. Calculate the average descent time for wing length 1.
13. Cut off the end of each wing at the next line.
14. Repeat steps 8-13 for Lengths 2, 3 and 4.
15. Graph your average data (be sure to label each axis, use a consistent interval and title your graph)
16. Complete the C.E.R.
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Student Page 2
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Number of Seconds for Each Descent
Propeller Average
Wing Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Descent
Length Time
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Student Page 3
Signature Lab
Helicopter C.E.R. 8th Grade Science
Unit 1
Prompt
How does wing length affect the descent time of a paper helicopter?
Claim
The length of the wing affects the descent time of the paper helicopter because the ________________
the wing length, the shorter the descent time. The _______________________ the wing length, the
longer the descent time.
Evidence
The data shows that when the wing length was reduced each time, the change in descent time,
____________________________________. On average the descent time for the longest wing length
was ___________________________________________ seconds while the average descent time for
the shorter wing length was _________________________________________________seconds.
Reasoning
When the wings were ______________________________ there was less air resistance to slow it down.
As the wing length _________________________ so did the descent time.
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Student Page 4
8th Grade Science CER Helicopter—Student Page 5
