Introduction The paper helicopter in this experiment starts with no kinetic energy,just like the balloon in our ballon rocket experiments. The balloon's elastic potential energy was transformed into kinetic energy and then was used up as friction. What is the source of the energy that the paper helicopter has when it moves? How are the motion of the paper helicopter and balloon rocket similar and how are they different? What happens to the kinetic energy in each case? Materials Paper (various weights), scissors, paper-clips (various sizes), pennies, tape Procedure 0 In buildingthe paper helicopter, you will be using the engineering method 0 Design: During the design phase decisions are made about what needs to be done and how to do it. 0 Build: When building the helicopter, the design is carefully followed. Any changes must be reviewed to make sure that the nished product will function as required. Time and expense must also be taken into account. 0 Test: Testing is done to make sure that the helicopter meets all the requirements to be considered successful. If the tests are unsuccessful then it is necessary to return to the design phase and start again. Design On a blank sheet of paper, draw a paper helicopter similar to the one shown here. The lengths of the lines may be different, but all the lines shown must be there. Build Cut out the paper helicopter. Cut on all the solid lines and fold on all the dashed lines. Attach a paper-clip at the bottom of the helicopter. Tests 1. Measure and mark a height of two meters (don't permanently mark on a wall or piece of furniture that will upset anyone--you can use masking tape, or another removable mark). Mark distances of 1.75, 1.50, 1.25, and 1.00 meters. 2. Drop the helicopter from the two meter mark and use the other marks to help you make observations. Devise methods to measure the paper helicopter's average speed and the number of times it spins around (coloring one propeller may help you see this). 3. Put a penny on the bottom of the helicopter. (You'll need to tape it on.) Observe how this affects the number of rotations and the average speed. Make at least two more helicopters. Change something (that you can point out and analyze) about the design of each helicopter. Perform the same set of tests