things that fly unaided.

[nat1986]

Hi , i'm new to this site and i need a favor please ! I'm a Teaching Assistant in a primary school and we've been given a task to design and create something that flies unaided, i suggested a chinese lantern but thought it was a bit of a rubbish idea, if you could please could you pass on any idea's, thanks Natalie.

 

P.S we can use small motors and various other things. Thanks again

[Brainteaserfan]

http://scioly.org/wiki/Helicopters

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CDkQtwIwBA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DuDhcxS_OTv8&ei=nx-yTpr0NYfy0gH_z42hAQ&usg=AFQjCNHlAmwiO1F7lo8E70X3QIxSbVKvPA

 

Use a commecially available blade, 'cause you aren't in the competition. Lots of info can be found online as to how to design.

 

Or something a little easier:

[Externet]

There is many types of seeds that spin, glide or 'float' on air for transportation away from the parent tree.

[matty]

This is neat...

 

http://inspireyourgroup.com/blog/funngames/tumblewing-glider/

 

You can find these projects everywhere, all over the net, google kids' science projects and include the flying criteria. They are commonly found even to be divided by age group.--And you can use motor but it has to go unaided?..anyway, easy, fun research project, it's just like you're asking us to do your homework.--ahahah!..

Edited November 8, 2011 by matty

[Phi for All]

What exactly does "flying unaided" mean? Just that you can't be touching it?

 

Does it have to move forward or just be off the ground? How long does it have to fly, or is the idea to fly as long as possible?

 

If that's the case, why is a Chinese lantern a rubbish idea (beyond having an open flame in a grade school)? The first thing I thought of for a primary school was a helium balloon with just the proper weight on the string to make it hover. That could stay in the air for a very long time, longer than any of the propeller crafts.