Air of the Wolf Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 4
Typical Time to Complete: 1 to 2 den meetings
Parent Involvement: Moderate
Preparation Needed: Print instructions, gather measuring supplies, prepare flying area
Activity Level: Moderate to high
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor, outdoor
Special Requirements: Space for flying and measuring
Supplies Snapshot: Paper, pencils, stopwatch, measuring tape, scissors, simple craft supplies, optional airplane or glider kits

The Air of the Wolf Adventure introduces Wolf Cub Scouts to the basics of flight and aerodynamics. Scouts learn how the shape and design of an object can affect the way it moves through the air. They build and test different flying objects while making observations about what works best.

Scouts begin by making a paper airplane and testing how far and how long it flies. Then they build a second airplane with a different design and compare the results. This helps them see how small changes can affect flight.

The adventure also encourages creativity. Scouts build a flying object which is not a paper airplane and test how it works. Along the way, they practice problem-solving, observation, and simple engineering skills while having fun.

Printable requirements for the Air of the Wolf Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den's progress on the Air of the Wolf Adventure

Printable checkoff sheet for the Wolf Badge (for den or individual use)

Requirement 2: Build A Different Design

Make a paper airplane of a different design and fly it five times.  Record the flight distance and time.

Choose a second airplane design which looks noticeably different from the first one. This helps Scouts easily see how wing shape and airplane style affect flight.

Easy Option: Make one dart airplane and one glider airplane for an easy comparison. See Paper Airplane Comparison

Requirement 3: Compare The Two Airplanes

Compare and contrast the two paper airplanes by distance and flight times.  

Keep the discussion simple and let Scouts describe what they noticed about distance, flight time, and straightness. A visual chart or group discussion works well for this age group.

Easy Option: Make a poster board chart and let Scouts add check marks for the best flights.

Here are some resources:

• Paper Airplane Derby: Cub Scouts participate in a paper airplane derby.
• Paper Airplane Golf: Cub Scouts will play paper airplane golf.
• Paper Airplane Obstacle Course: Cub Scouts participate in a paper airplane obstacle course.

Requirement 4: Build A Different Flying Object

Build a flying object that is not a paper airplane.

Focus on creativity and testing instead of making a perfect project. Simple flying objects usually work best for den meetings and younger Scouts.

Easy Option: Make paper helicopters using paper, scissors, and paper clips. See Wolf-Copters;

More resources:

• Sky Drop Parachute Challenge: build a simple parachute and supply platform using household materials, creating a flying object that falls through the air in a controlled way.
• Balsawood Airplanes: Cub Scouts build and fly balsawood airplanes.
• Paper Kites: Cub Scouts make and fly a paper kite.

Forces of Flight Game: This game is like Ships and Sailors, except it has an airplane theme. Use it to get up and move during your meeting.

The Air of the Wolf Adventure offers Wolf Cub Scouts a thrilling introduction to the principles of flight and aerodynamics. Through engaging, hands-on activities, Scouts explore how different designs and materials affect an object’s ability to fly. Starting with the construction and testing of two distinct paper airplanes, Scouts record flight distances and times, gaining a practical understanding of aerodynamic principles.

This adventure encourages Scouts to compare the performance of their airplanes, helping them develop critical thinking skills by analyzing why different designs result in varied flight patterns. By engaging in this investigative process, Scouts learn to make observations, record data, and draw conclusions based on their experiments.

Further expanding their exploration of flight, Scouts are tasked with creating a flying object that isn’t a paper airplane. This challenge pushes them to think creatively and apply the concepts of lift, thrust, and aerodynamics to new types of flying models, such as kites or balloon rockets. This activity not only broadens their understanding of how different objects fly but also enhances their problem-solving and construction skills.

Overall, the Air of the Wolf Adventure fosters a deep curiosity about science and engineering, equipping Scouts with the knowledge and skills to explore the world of aerodynamics further. This adventure is an exciting blend of education and fun, designed to spark a lifelong interest in STEM fields.