Paper Airplane Inquiry Project | Hands-On Scientific Method Experiment

I created this assignment to use as a final project for my introductory Nature of Science unit in 9th grade physical science. I drew inspiration from many other similar assignments, but I wanted something that was a more comprehensive evaluation of students’ ability to apply the scientific method. By keeping the materials and variables relatively simple, they can (ideally) maintain a focus on the methods themselves. 

Students will follow a set of general scientific method steps in order to design an experiment to test and see if they can improve on a basic design. They will decide on variables, constants, and a control group, plan out the steps, and then conduct their experiment. After, they will use the data they have gathered to create a graph, write a conclusion, and argue for their results in Claim, Evidence, Reasoning format.

What’s Included?

✅ Step-by-step student worksheet guiding them through Observation, Research, Planning, Experimentation, Data Collection, and Analysis
✅ Links to videos and online resources to help students explore paper airplane design
✅ Clear guiding questions to support independent or group work
✅ Built-in Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework to strengthen scientific argumentation
✅ Rubric for easy grading

Why You’ll Love It

⭐ Engaging & Interactive – Students actively participate in their learning, rather than just answering pre-set questions.
⭐ Flexible & Adaptable – Works as a summative project or an introductory activity to reinforce the scientific method.
⭐ Minimal Materials – Requires only paper, measuring tools, and basic classroom supplies, making it easy to implement.
⭐ Encourages Inquiry & Critical Thinking – Students ask their own questions, design their own experiments, and analyze their own data.

Perfect for 9th-grade physical science or any class needing a meaningful, inquiry-based lab activity!

Fully editable to fit your classroom needs!