Wind Tunnel Lab

Air in Action

Your Mission

Your team will test objects in a vertical wind tunnel to see how air affects motion. Just like you did at iFly!

Engineers test designs, study what happens, and make improvements based on evidence. Today, you will do the same.

Part 1: Watch and Notice

Watch how the wind tunnel works.

As you watch, think about:

• what makes an object float
• what makes an object spin or wobble
• what changes might improve the design

Part 2: Build Your First Design

Work with your team to build a starting design.

You may begin by testing simple materials, then change or combine them to make something new. The wind tube resource also encourages testing everyday objects first, then adjusting them or creating new designs.

Part 3: Test and Improve

Your team will test your design in the wind tunnel, observe what happens, and improve it.

Your Goal

Use testing and redesign to make an object that floats, spins, or moves in a controlled way.

Science Connection

Moving air pushes on objects.

The shape, size, weight, and balance of an object affect how it moves in the tunnel.

Engineers test different designs to understand airflow, drag, balance, and stability. The wind tube guide specifically points students toward exploring airflow, drag, symmetry, turbulence, and air resistance by changing variables and testing again.