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Aerodynamics Projects for a Kid's Project Fair

Aerodynamics projects provide a good chance of success at the project fair. Aerodynamics can be challenging and complex, but when kids are having fun while learning, they can grasp complex concepts more comfortably and quickly. As the kids get older, there are more advanced materials to use and learn from. For smaller children, projects with kites or small airplanes will get them outside and having fun while learning. The older kids have projects that involve arrows, bullets and parachutes.

Effect of Parachute Material on Parachute Speed
- The object of this project is to explore whether different parachute materials will affect the parachute's speed of descent. Young kids can connect the parachute to some of their favorite action figures or dolls during the testing period. The child should make at least 10 parachutes out of different materials. The object is connected to each of the parachutes and dropped from the same height. The results are recorded and displayed on a tri-fold cardboard poster for the project fair.
Flying a Kite
- Flying a kite is a way to learn how wind resistance and aerodynamics work. Have the child construct a couple of different kites from designs found online. Let the child fly each of the kites on the same day, preferably one after another. The kites have to have different shapes or construction materials to give the project a question. Have the child find out how the wind affects the flight of each kite. After discussing the reasons, such as shape of the kite and materials used in construction, record the results on a poster board.
Plane Designs
- Older kids will enjoy making different airplanes to find out how aerodynamics and wind resistance affect each plane's design. It is a good way to find out which plane designs fly smoother, longer and more efficient. The planes will be made of different materials, such as plastic foam, plastic or paper. They will have different dimensions in wing span, wing width and wing location. Have the child toss each plane from the same height and at the same speed to see what affect the differences in material and wing detail have on the distance and duration of each flight. Post the results on a tri-fold project display board for the project fair.
Effect of Projectile Weight on Flight Distance
- This project allows older children to use different types of projectiles to test the different aerodynamic aspects of each projectile based on its weight. It is a simple project, but it can be fun once the objects are chosen by the child. Some objects that can be used are balls, arrows, footballs, balloons or rocks. Have the child throw each of the projectiles and record how the weight of the projectile affects the flight distance. Usually, the heavier objects will require more force to go farther because their weight reduces the aerodynamic abilities. Record the results on a project poster board.

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