How Does Weight Pull on Every Flyer?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does weight pull on every flyer?

The Big Idea

Weight is Earth's gravity pulling on everything. Even things that fly must deal with it. Let's see how flyers beat their weight!

Gravity Pulls

Step one: gravity pulls. Weight is Earth's gravity pulling an object toward the ground. Everything that flies must make lift at least as big as its weight, or it will come down.

Light and Large

Step two: light and large. That is why engineers make planes from light materials. It is also why a heavy bird needs large wings.

Even a Feather

Step three: even a feather. Even a feather has weight. But its large, light shape lets the air hold it up for a while.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Gravity pulls down. Weight is the pull on a flyer. Wings make lift. A feather floats down slowly.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A hummingbird weighs less than a nickel coin. Even a feather has weight. Planes use light materials. Heavy birds need large wings.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Weigh a sheet of paper with a kitchen scale. Crumple the same sheet into a ball and weigh it. Do they weigh the same? Then drop both and compare. Tell a grown-up what you discover!

Outro

Weight is gravity pulling on a flyer, so lift must be at least as big, which is why planes are light and heavy birds have large wings. Science is amazing! What will you discover next? The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Ask a grown-up to help you try the mission, and see what you can find out. Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!