- “Build a Better Bunny Copter” handout (pdf)
- Bunny Copter strips (pdf) (at least 5)
- Paper clips of various sizes (at least 5)
- Colored markers or crayons
Goal: To recognize the value of refining and optimizing an existing invention to improve its performance.
Time: 30 minutes to an hour
Space: Table top (for assembly); open space (for flight testing)
Preparation time: about 30 minutes
Before starting, set up a work space with supplies that include:
- Bunny Copter strips, enough for your child to make 5 Bunny Copters.
- “Build a Better Bunny Copter” handout.
- Scissors, paper clips and colored markers or crayons.
- For Flight Testing: Set aside an area of the room where your child can stand and drop her copters.
- Optional: Print additional Bunny Copter strips on heavier paper stock for your child to experiment with.
- Optional: Preview the episode or clip.
- If using the episode with your child, cue up the Cyberchase video player.
1. Give your child the “Build a Better Bunny Copter” handout and Bunny Copter strips. Explain that Delete invented a Bunny Copter, but he wants to make it stay in the air longer and twirl faster. To help Delete, invite your child to make changes to his Bunny Copter to make it twirl faster.
2. Ask your child to follow the directions on her handout to get started. Once she’s made her Bunny Copters, she can test them in the flight test area. Remind her to hold the copters up as high as she can.
Tip: Set some safety rules for dropping the copters. For example, your child should not stand on chairs or other furniture when dropping the copters.
3. As your child works, ask questions or make comments to keep her on track. Ask: What changes can you make to your Bunny Copter to make it stay in the air longer? What makes it spin faster? How does your Bunny Copter fly when you add more or different-size passengers (paper clips)?
4. Optional: Provide your child with Bunny Copter strips made from heavier-stock paper. Ask: What effect do you think the heavier paper will have on the Bunny Copter’s flight? Are there other changes you would want to make to your Bunny Copter using the heavier paper?
5.To close, invite your child to share her results. Ask: Which ear length made the Bunny Copter fly the best? Which length helped it stay in the air longer? What happened when passengers were added?