What physics concepts can improve my mini-project design?

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The project requires using limited materials to create a device that can stay in the air for at least 8 seconds and land in a designated box. Suggestions include creating a pinwheel or a paper helicopter, though initial attempts have not exceeded 4 seconds of airtime. The design should focus on maximizing air resistance and stability, potentially by folding and balancing the paper structure. Participants are encouraged to consider the physics of gravity and air resistance while explaining their designs. Understanding these concepts is crucial for improving the project's effectiveness.
ballahboy
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Our teacher supplied us with one 8.5x11 sheet of paper, 2 paper clips and 12in of masking tape. What we have to do is put this stuff together and release it from about 9 feet above the ground. I has to stay in the air for 8 seconds or more and land inside a box on the floor (which means it should fall straight down). I've tried a few things but couldn't get the paper to stay in the air for more than 4 seconds. Any suggestions is appreciate. Thanks

Edit: I forgot.. we also get to use about 6 inches of bungee string
 
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ballahboy said:
Our teacher supplied us with one 8.5x11 sheet of paper, 2 paper clips and 12in of masking tape. What we have to do is put this stuff together and release it from about 9 feet above the ground. I has to stay in the air for 8 seconds or more and land inside a box on the floor (which means it should fall straight down). I've tried a few things but couldn't get the paper to stay in the air for more than 4 seconds. Any suggestions is appreciate. Thanks

Edit: I forgot.. we also get to use about 6 inches of bungee string

You might try a pinwheel.
 
OlderDan said:
You might try a pinwheel.
Yeah i tried the paper helicopter thing but that only lasted me a little over 3 seconds
 
Okay, Here's an Idea.

In attachment 1, fold along the dotted lines and cut along the solid lines. The grey area shaped like a star is the one you need. the rest, you can throw away.

once you fold the lines, you should end up with something that looks like attachment 2. then, fold the bottom corners and you should end up with the second part of attachment 2. that will catch air, making it slower.

put tape where the light blue rectangles are in attachment 2. then put paperclips to balance the figure.
 
thanks but is it just me or are the attachments not working?
 
they haven't been approved yet
 
Thanks for the suggestions. How can I explain the physics behind this?
 
behind what?
 
The physics involved in this experiment.. I've started with talking about gravity and air resistance. Is there anything else i can add to this?
 

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