Air has mass and takes up space. When you drop your helicopter, it has to push the air around it out of its way in order to move.
As the helicopter falls, the pressure of the air pushes the blades up into a slanted position. In this position, the air under one blade is pushing one way and the air under the other blade is pushing the opposite way. These two forces of air push the blades around and make it spin. The faster the blades spin, the less the air can get by, and the slower the helicopter falls.
By experimenting with the weight, shape, and position of the blades, you change how fast and how much air is pushed out of the way. In other words, you’re changing how the air resistance is hitting your helicopter. This affects how it moves.
- Museum Hours
-
- Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Museum Location
- Getting Here
More Activities
- Online Activity
-
Design a Submarine
Design a mini submarine that moves in the water like a real submarine.
- Online Activity
-
Pop Rockets
Blast off! Launch your own rocket with just a few simple items.
- Online Activity
-
Fly a Hot-Air Balloon
See what happens when air is heated as you build and fly a huge hot-air balloon.
More Exhibits
- Exhibit
-
Transportation Gallery
Explore how humankind has flown, soared, sped and chugged throughout the years.
- Exhibit
-
Wright Flyer
Relive the birth of aviation alongside this history-making replica.