Nature’s Helicopters

Some call them whirly birds and others call them nature’s helicopters. Their scientific name is samara. In late spring, we see them falling from the sky and filling sidewalks and driveways. In this workshop, participants will explore a natural phenomena that has captured the imagination of countless children over the years and continues to be the focus of research into aerodynamics, specifically for wind turbines and aircraft.

Winged seeds (samaras) generate lift forces at low speeds to extend the distance of their dispersal from the parent tree. Guests will be encouraged to make their own form of rotors (samaras) during this engagement. Watch it spin as it falls! Can you make it spin faster than the person next to you? How about fall slower? Come find out at our Nature’s Helicopters workshop!

Who: Everyone

Where: 345 Riverfront Drive

When: June 22: 11am-12pm

Cost: Event is included with any daily admission ticket.