Each group needs:

• an assortment of physical materials and tools, from which to build glider models; each group determines and procures its own materials and equipment; material suggestions (not to exceed $30 per group) include foam core poster board, balsa wood, duct and electrical tape, hot and regular white glue, various types of paper, and scissors and utility knives or box cutters; tip: while students are given their choice of materials, impose a $30 budget for each team's project, giving bonus points for the least expensive prototype; it works well to provide some common materials for all groups, such as the foam core board or access to tape and glue
• computer access, either one per student or one per group
• (optional) computer-aided design program, such as Inventor, which available for free download for student use at http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/inventor-professional or SolidWorks (student license available for ~$150 at https://store.solidworks.com/studentstore/default.php); note: while creating a digital/CAD design is not required for the project, doing so gives students an opportunity to work with the types of programs used by present-day engineers
• (optional) Project Contract, one per student
• Glider Project Overview, one per student
• Research Evidence Handout, one per student
• Draft and Materials Handout, one per student
• (optional) Materials List Template Excel® file, one per group
• Glider Rubric, one per student
• Final Report Rubric, one per student
• pencils and paper for every student (for the pre-activity assessment)

To share with the entire class:

glider launcher, as shown in Figure 1, made according to the Glider Launcher 3D Printer Drawings —a design that requires the use of a 3D printer and the following materials, OR if no access to a 3D printer, your own glider launching device inspired by this design.

• 2 extension springs, 0.25 x 1.5-inches; available at hardware stores such as Home Depot
• 1 aluminum angle stock, 3 feet long, 0.75 x 0.0625-inches; available at hardware stores
• 5-minute, 2-part epoxy, such as http://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-0-47-fl-oz-Five-Minute-Instant-Mix-Epoxy-1365868/202020459
• 3D printer with PLA 3D printing material, such as https://www.amazon.com/Hatchbox-1-75mm-3D-Printer-Filament/dp/B00J0ECR5I/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1452691777&sr=1-2&keywords=pla+3d+printing+filament

model glider; it is recommended that you create a model glider to use in demonstrating the launching mechanism; an alternate, but less advisable, option is to obtain a pre-made glider to demonstrate the expected flight pattern, such as this 6-inch long plastic and cardboard model https://www.amazon.com/happy-deals--Camouflage-Gliders-Plastic/dp/B00F617MEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452261224&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+glider

digital scale or triple beam balance, to measure glider model masses