Division: Div B – Middle School

NC Essential Standards Alignment: Science as Inquiry

Event Rules: See the National Rules Manual

Event Score Sheet: None

National Event Page: Here

Description:

Prior to the tournament, teams will construct, collect data on test flights, analyze and optimize free flight Elastic Launched Gliders to achieve maximum time aloft.

Materials:

Teams MUST bring Safety Spectacles, their glider(s) and flight log.

Event Leaders will bring tools necessary to measure and check the gliders, and the official scoresheet.

Scoring:

High score wins.

Common Mistakes:

Don’t forget your flight log! This is an easy penalty to avoid.

Recommendations:

These flights will take place in some sort of gym, either a basketball court or an open arena, depending on where you compete.  If you do not have access to a gym, reach out to other competitors at nearby middle or high schools and see if you can share practice time with them.

Balsa wood can be bought at most hobby stores, or in bulk from Tower Hobbies or other online stores

Resources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TqtYQwsrd0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmXR_Lf1qPk

https://www.soinc.org/elastic-launched-gliders-b

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT6d3Jk7CeY

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyV0uJwzIwCgKDYHA2UOAYO_w01UR-OZX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsWPb02_qo8

Additional Past Resources:

2018 Elastic Launched Glider Coaches Clinic Presentation (2019 Rules) – more in depth

2017 Coaches Clinic Presentation – Flying tools

2017 Coaches Clinic Presentation – Wright Stuff

Guru Engineering Tech

FAQs

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Please check the FAQ document before submitting a new question – you may find your answer already there!