Modelling in mathematics - making a paper helicopter

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Contributor: David Benjamin 🐝
Modelling in mathematics - making a paper helicopter
Main Subject
Key stage
Category
Geometry and measures: Accurate drawing
Resource type
Student activity
Maths
Modelling

The challenge is to make a paper helicopter, based on the template given, that takes the longest time to reach the floor. There are three length variables that can be changed to optimise the design.

This exercise, aimed at year 7, is designed to help students to develop their skills in mathematical modelling by asking and answering their own questions, refining their ideas and improving on previous attempts.

The video clip shows a helicopter falling to the floor.
 

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

5
Great but can’t get the video link

Aisha Desai

31/01/2022

Response from Teachit editor
We're sorry you're having trouble accessing the video for this resource. The video is a downloadable file rather than a link in the worksheet. Please double check you've downloaded the file '33668.mov' and if you have any further problems let us know and our support team will be happy to help.
5

26/01/2021

5

25/05/2020

All the resources are beautifully designed. Thanks a million for the resources provided.

Dipika Mistry

07/12/2019

5
Great but can’t get the video link

Aisha Desai

31/01/2022

Response from Teachit editor
We're sorry you're having trouble accessing the video for this resource. The video is a downloadable file rather than a link in the worksheet. Please double check you've downloaded the file '33668.mov' and if you have any further problems let us know and our support team will be happy to help.
5

26/01/2021

5

25/05/2020

All the resources are beautifully designed. Thanks a million for the resources provided.

Dipika Mistry

07/12/2019

Looks a great resource I'll try during transition week. Can we have a link to the video mentioned in the teacher's notes please?

Nick Atkinson

28/06/2019

Thank you for letting us know. We are looking into it.

Camilla Clarkson

28/05/2019

Why can't I download the free PDFs today... I have tried many but somehow a lot will not open..
Thanks

annie curry

15/05/2019