Measure Distance using the Metric System while flying pens across the classroom

This science lab can be used in any of the science disciplines because it is going to help students learn how to read a meter tape. Students will learn what the Magnus Effect is and how to demonstrate the Magnus Effect by "flying" a hollowed-out "Bic" pen across the classroom. Students will also learn how to create a spreadsheet and then add a formula that will automatically calculate the average of their pen flight distances. I use this lab at the beginning of the year to get students excited about science as well. When students are finished they will understand the Magnus Effect as how to find the distances in mm, cm, and m. Also included are links to three YouTube videos: 1 teaches what the Magnus Effect is, 2 demonstrates how I use the Magnus Effect with "Bic" pens, and 3 demonstrates how to create the spreadsheet for the activity as well as the formulas. The experiment can be done without the Spreadsheet version of this lab.

Watch the flying pen in action on YouTube

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