Paper Airplanes

Materials:

• Paper

• Scissors

• Paperclips

Directions:

1. Select one piece of paper

2. Fold your paper lengthwise and unfold

3. Fold the top corners until they meet at the center crease.

4. Fold again so that the outer edges meet at the center fold.

5. Fold you airplane in half

6. Fold the wings down until they are level with the ground

7. Fly!

Things to Try:

Try adding weight to your airplane by using paperclips, tape, or using heavier paper to design your airplane. What effect does increasing the weight of the aircraft have on the distance it flies?

Observe the way that you launch your airplane. Are you pinching the airplane at the back? In the center? Near the tip? Try to vary the holding position you use when you launch your airplane. What effect does that have on how fast your airplane flies or the distance it goes?

The design of the airplane, such as the wing and body shape have significant impacts on the way airplanes fly. Try other paper airplane designs to explore how to make airplanes that travel faster, further, and do awesome tricks!