Bernoulli's

Principle

d he
Pull
 Bernoulli's Principle

Activating
Using a KWL strategy, students list what they know about the flying
characteristics of an airplane and what they want to know. Responses
are recorded on a class chart and added to throughout the study.
 Flying Characteristics of an Airplane

K
(What we/I know)
W
(What we/I want to know)
L
(What we/I have learned)
will remain in the funnel). Students investigate to determine a method to get the
ping-pong ball out of the funnel (blow over the top of the funnel).

Hang two small empty plastic pop bottles, two paper strips, or two ping-pong balls
on a piece of string about five cm apart. Students predict what will happen when
they blow hard between the two objects (they will come together). Students
record their observations, including a diagram in their science journals.
 Paperclip Passengers
Using a standard sheet of photocopier paper and only five folds,
students make a paper airplane. In a series of trials students fly their
plane adding mass, paperclip passengers , in each successive trial.
Students measure and record the distance traveled and the number of
paperclips added. The observations are recorded in a spreadsheet and
graphed and students draw conclusions based on their observations.
 Acquire
Using electronic resources, students view and discuss
videos and animations of Bernoulli's Principle.
Students record labeled diagrams of Bernoulli's Principle
in their science journals.
Students should also add to the KWL
Airfoils
Applying

Cooperative groups of students design and build different

styles of airfoils using a standard sheet of photocopier
paper and 30 cm. of tape to test Bernoulli's Principle.
Students fasten a straw through the middle at the thickest
point of the airfoil. A string is marked in 1-cm. increments
and strung through the straw and fastened to a table and
the floor. Placing the airfoil at a given height, students test
Bernoulli's Principles using a fan or hairdryer to provide
airflow. Through a series of trials students test the effect of
gravity on their airfoil design by adding paperclip
"passengers". Students diagram their airfoil shape including
measurements, and record the results of their trials in their
science journals.