Nano-CEMMS: The Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems

Nitinol Airplane Launcher
After learning about the properties of Nitinol, students design a balsa wood airplane launcher that uses Nitinol to launch the airplane. Directions for building a working airplane launcher are included.

Prerequisites:	Students should have an introductory understanding of nanotechnology that can be provided by Kits 1, 2, and 4.
Instruction Time:	Approximately 30-60 minutes
Audience:	Middle or high school students
Objective:	Students will design (or simply build from directions) a working balsa wood airplane launcher.
Standards:	National Science Education Standards Content Standard E: Abilities of Technological Design. Illinois State Science Learning Standards 11.B.4b. Propose and compare different solution designs to the design problem based upon given constraints including available tools, materials, and time. 11.B.5d. Choose a model and refine its design based on the test results.
Contents:	directions for building a Nitinol Airplane Launcher 30 10" x 10" pieces of foamboard 30 8-inch rubber bands 30 10" piece of Nitinol 30 balsa wood airplane 3 hair dryers
Teacher Needs:	5-10 pairs of scissors

The Nitinol Airplane Launcher kit includes documents you can preview online.

Click on an image below to see it full sized.