This paper airplane design is incredibly simple to fold, requires no special equipment, and outperforms the traditional dart-shaped design in flight.
Info for Parents:
While folding paper airplanes is an enjoyable and simple activity, having an adult nearby to demonstrate the steps can be helpful, especially for younger students.
Goals & Objectives:
- Fine Motor Skills: Measuring, cutting, and precisely folding/creasing are crucial for the success of this paper model. Adjusting the airplane without permanently altering or damaging it also requires careful control.
- Visual Learning: Paper airplane instructions are most effectively delivered visually, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding of the concept immediately upon presentation.
- Cause and Effect: Each step in making a paper airplane serves a purpose. Depending on students’ familiarity with paper aircraft, questions about physical forces (weight, lift, etc.) can be explored. For example, “Why do we want more weight near the nose? How would the finished airplane fly if we didn’t put it there?”
Background Information:
The origins of paper airplanes remain uncertain, but scholars suspect that the Japanese art of paper folding (origami), which followed the invention of paper in China around 500 BCE, inspired early paper airplane designs. Aviation pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci, Sir George Cayley (who identified the four forces of flight), and the Wright brothers used paper models in their pursuit of flight. The first modern paper airplane, as we recognize it, was designed by Jack Northrop (cofounder of Lockheed Corporation), who used paper airplanes as test models for larger aircraft.
Go Further:
This design goes beyond the common dart shape you’re probably familiar with. It’s simple to make and easy to remember, yet its slightly more complex shape provides insight into how real, full-scale airplanes fly and are controlled. Since this airplane has wing and tail surfaces similar to those on full-scale planes, you can experiment with adjustments. Try altering the curve of the wingtips or the back edges of the tail. Can you make the airplane turn left or right? How about flying in a circle? Can you make it climb, dive, or perform loops?
Creative Tips:
Decorating paper airplanes is a fun way to personalize them! Use colored pencils and markers (paint might be too heavy) to turn your airplane into a one-of-a-kind flying machine. Challenge yourself by marking targets or “landing spots” and see how accurately you can guide your flight path!
