There are many ways to make things go. Electricity, fuel, and batteries. However, did you know that you have the power to make a boat sail in the water, propel (move) a spool car forward, and fly an airplane across the room? Wolves are very powerful creatures, and we are going to explore how you can use the air in your lungs, strength of your wolf paws, and power of your imagination to make things go! Propulsion is what moves an object (like a plane, car, or boat).
In this adventure, we are going to explore some different ways to propel some different vehicles that you get to make. As we journey through the land, water, and air, think about the way that the shape of your cars, boats, and planes affects the distance they can go. We are going to start in the sky, flying paper airplanes two different ways, one with the power of your arms and the other by using your hands and rubber bands!
Rationale for Adventure
We live in an electronic world. This adventure gives Scouts the chance to rely on the power in their own bodies. By blowing air, throwing planes, or using rubber bands, they will have the chance to explore propulsion in its most basic form. Motor Away, Wolves!
Requirements
Complete the following requirements
- Do the following:
- Create and fly three different types of paper airplanes. Before launching them, record which one you believe will travel the farthest and what property of the plane leads you to make that prediction.
- Make a paper airplane catapult. Before launching a plane, record how far you believe it will travel and explain what information you used to make this prediction. After you make your prediction, launch the plane and measure how far it flies.
- Make two different model boats and sail them. Choose different shapes for your boats.
- Create a model car that moves under its own power.
Takeaways for Cub Scouts
- Learning to follow instructions
- Exploring how the tension in a rubber band affects propulsion
- Seeing inf shape matters in a sail
- The value of cooperation
- Deductive reasoning
- A Scout is courteous
Historical Requirements
2015 Handbook Requirements
Wolf Handbook, page 266
Wolf Den Leader Guide, page 157
- Do the following:
- Create and fly three different types of paper airplanes. Before launching them, record which one you believe will travel the farthest and what property of the plane leads you to make that prediction.
- Make a paper airplane catapult. Before launching a plane, record how far you believe it will travel and explain what information you used to make this prediction. After you make your prediction, launch the plane and measure how far it flies.
- Make two different boats and sail them. Choose different shapes for your boats. Sail your boats in the water by blowing air on the sail. While sailing your boats, notice how they are similar and how they are different. Discuss your findings with your den, and decide if you think the differences will affect the way they propel through the water.
- Create a car that moves under its own power.
