Designing a Fair Test

Student groups will make straw flyers and design a contest that considers the principles of fair tests. Each group will then conduct the contest and record the data. Groups will then report the results of their competition. Afterwards, the class will evaluate the competition in a class discussion.

Procedure:

Provide a model of a straw flyer. Use index cards for the loops.

Each student constructs a straw flyer and practices throwing it.

Optional: give each student a paper clip to help weigh down the front for flying.

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After students design and test their straw flyers, they will be part of a group that creates, conducts, and evaluates a contest.

The group first determines what they want their contest to measure (distance, speed, accuracy, or time aloft) and give their competition a name.

Then, the group writes what the contestants will have to do during the competition.

And finally, each group explains how the contest is going to be fair. Be sure to include information about multiple trials, controlling variables, establishing objective measurements, and a system for recording the data.

Students list the official names and rules for their contests.

Students conduct the competition following their rules and procedures.

Students carefully record each other’s data on their own data table.

Extension:

If time permits, allow students to modify their flyer and repeat the contest.

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Students share and discuss their results and evaluate the fairness of each contest.

Procedure:

Student groups prepare the three steps before discussion and consider the questions at the bottom. Use the description of the contest (Lab Task #2) and data table (Lab Task #3) to help prepare responses.

Some students may need some language scaffolding to present this information. Provide the following frame to students who struggle with academic language.

Sample language:

“In order to make our event fair, we included the principle of _______ (multiple trials, objective measurement, controlling variables) by _______________. Additionally, we incorporated the idea of _________ by _________.”

Students reflect on the activity by answering these questions in writing or through discussion.