STEM Club Paper Airplane Launcher

 In STEM club we made paper airplane launchers and it was so much fun to see what would work and what did not work. First we came up with a plan of what we should do. Then we decided to launch it off this wooden block using  nails, a wooden block, a rubber band, paper, and a hammer. We tried to nail three nails into the block in a triangle formation with one nail angled up so we can shoot it sort of higher so it wouldn't fall as quickly. We used the rubber band to force it up in the air. It didn't work, sadly. Then we tried all types of formations with the nails and we tried other types of paper but that idea didn't work. We all were really frustrated. We decided to split our bigger group into two smaller groups to try more ideas at once, but we still didn't think of anything that worked. After all of those ideas, we decided to come back together as one big group. We finally decided to look up ideas on Safari for paper airplane launchers, a bunch of ideas came up, but we used one of the ideas, but put our own little twist on it. I finally thought this might be the idea that works.We put two tables together with a little space between them, and we cut the rubber band in half. Then we tied each end to a  paper clip and taped the paper clips to the two tables tight enough that it would bounce back to its original starting place once you let go of it. We taped a hook shape paper clip to the end of the paper airplane. We put the hook paper clip around the rubber band then pulled the airplane back on the rubber band. Then we let it go and it flew across the room.We were so glad to see that it worked. We played with it for the rest of the time. Sadly we had to take it down but it was fun while we had it. I love STEM club and I can't wait for next time. I suggest to everyone to try STEM club because it is awesome. - 6th grade STEM Club Member