Airplane Lift: How Do Planes Fly?
Ages 6-1210-15 minutesEasy Difficulty
About This Activity
Explore how airplanes generate lift using a simple experiment with a piece of paper. Learn how Bernoulli's Principle helps planes fly!
Materials Needed
- A piece of paper
Safety Notes
- Make sure to blow gently to avoid getting dizzy.
- Perform the experiment in a quiet space to focus on the effects.
Instructions
- Hold a piece of paper under your chin so it hangs down.
- Blow across the top of the paper.
- Watch as the paper lifts up, demonstrating how fast-moving air creates lower pressure.
How It Works
Bernoulli’s Principle states that fast-moving air creates lower pressure. As you blow over the paper, the air pressure above it decreases, while the higher pressure below pushes it up—just like how an airplane's wings generate lift.
Tips for Success
- Try blowing harder or softer and observe the difference.
- Use a larger piece of paper for a more dramatic effect.
- Compare the effect by blowing under the paper instead of over it.