Help me give my students various types of paper, a timer, and rulers to test out our aviation skills.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Mixon's classroom raised $359
This project is fully funded
My Project
My students would like to learn about basic aviation principles by designing, creating, and testing paper planes. They will observe how different designs and weights affect the flight distance and speed of their planes.
Creating different types of planes in a first grade STEM classroom introduces young learners to the fundamentals of aviation and teaches them that small changes in design can have big effects.
By experimenting with different plane shapes, weights, and folds, students begin to understand concepts like lift, drag, and stability in a hands-on way that feels like play. Testing each design allows them to experience how adjustments can make a plane fly farther, faster, or straighter. This activity taps into their natural curiosity and excitement, turning abstract aviation concepts into tangible, memorable learning experiences.
The project’s primary goal is to give students a foundational understanding of flight, which helps them grasp how airplanes stay in the sky. This experience encourages them to see STEM as something real and accessible. A second goal is to develop students’ problem-solving skills by allowing them to test, modify, and improve their plane designs. Students will learn that adjustments—like adding weight with paperclips or changing wing shapes—produce different outcomes. This trial-and-error process fosters resilience, as they see the value of persistence and adaptation.
The third goal is to enhance social-emotional learning by encouraging teamwork and communication. Working in small groups, students will share ideas, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. This strengthens their sense of community and teaches them the importance of collaboration.
My students are exceptional because of their boundless curiosity and joy for learning STEM. Aviation is a big concept for first graders, but they are ready and excited for the challenge, and they truly deserve opportunities to engage in hands-on projects like this.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
NOKKO Clear Plastic Rulers Bulk 50 Piece Pack - Transparent 12 Inch / 30 Centimeter Ruler Class Set - Easy to Read School and Office Supplies for Kids, Students, Teachers and Artists
• Amazon Business
$18.95
1
$18.95
JZCreater USB Desk Fan, Mini Fan Portable, 3 Speeds Desktop Table Cooling Fan, Plug in Power Fan, Rotation Strong Wind, Quiet Personal Small Fan for Home Desktop Office Travel Bedroom, Black Blue
• Amazon Business
$6.99
2
$13.98
30 Packs Clear Plastic Ruler 12 Inch Straight Ruler with Centimeter and Millimeter, Metric Rulers Bulk for Kids Classroom School Office
• Amazon Business
$9.99
1
$9.99
Quill Brand? Small Paper Clips, Assorted Colors, 500/Tub
• Quill.com
$8.04
1
$8.04
Materials cost
$258.51
Vendor shipping charges
$12.45
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.88
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$304.84
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$53.80
Total project goal
$358.64
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$358.64
1 Donor
-$106.96
Donations toward project cost
-$101.61
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$5.35
match offer
-$239.09
Match offer toward project cost
-$203.23
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Mixon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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