How Can Small Bends in the Back of the Wings Stop a Plane From Diving?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can small bends in the back of the wings stop a plane from diving?

The Big Idea

Tiny bends at the back of the wings can fix a dive. They work like elevators on a real airplane. Pilots call this trimming!

Wing Back Edges

Step one: wing back edges. The back edges of paper wings work like the elevators on a real airplane. Small bends change how the air pushes the tail.

Fix a Dive

Step two: fix a dive. If your plane dives, bend both back edges up a tiny bit. That pushes the tail down and the nose up.

Fix a Stall Climb

Step three: fix a stall climb. If it stalls and climbs too steeply, bend them down slightly. Make very small changes and test after each one. Real pilots use a trim wheel for this.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Find the back edges. Bend up to stop a dive. Bend down to stop a stall. Test after each tiny change.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Bend up to raise the nose. Bend down to lower the nose. Tiny changes work better than big ones. Real pilots use a trim wheel to adjust elevators.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Fold a paper plane that dives. Try bending its back edges up a little, and see if it flies better. Make only tiny changes, then test again. Throw away from people and pets, and never at faces. Ask a grown-up to help you stay safe.

Outro

Small upward bends at the back of the wings push the tail down and the nose up, which can stop a dive, and that careful adjusting is called trimming. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Ask a grown-up to help you try tiny trim bends safely, and test after each change. Keep looking up! Keep learning together! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!