This paper airplane design is super easy to fold, needs no special equipment, and flies MUCH better than the classic dart-shaped design.
Info for Parents:
While folding paper airplanes is an enjoyable, simple activity, it might be helpful for much younger students to have an adult nearby who can demonstrate steps after they are explained.
Goals & Objectives
Fine motor skills: Measuring, cutting, and precisely folding/ creasing are crucial to 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 clearly delivered visually and give students the chance to demonstrate their understanding of a concept immediately upon being presented with it.
Cause and effect: Every step in the making of a paper airplane is included for a reason. Depending on students’ familiarity with paper aircraft, questions about physical forces (weight, lift, etc.) can be asked, such as, “Why do we want more weight near the nose? How would the finished airplane fly if we didn’t put it there?”
Background Information
It is unknown when the first paper airplane was made; however, many scholars suspect that the Japanese art of paper folding, also known as origami, which closely followed the invention of paper in China in 500 BCE, inspired some of the first paper airplane designs. Many of the early aviation pioneers utilized paper models in their pursuit of flight, including Leonardo da Vinci, Sir George Cayley (the first person to recognize and identify the four forces of flight), and the Wright brothers. The first modern paper airplane, as we would recognize it, was designed by Jack Northrop (cofounder of the Lockheed Corporation), who used paper airplanes as test models for larger aircraft.
Go Further
This design offers a great introduction to the world of paper airplanes beyond the common dart shape with which you are probably familiar. It is very simple to make and easy to remember, but its slightly more complex shape means that it can give you a good idea of how real, full-scale airplanes fly and are controlled. Because this airplane has wing and tail surfaces such as those you would find on a full-scale airplane, it can be controlled similarly as well. Try adjusting the curve of the wingtips, or the back edges of the tail, and see what effect you can have! 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
Making model airplanes out of paper means they are very easy to decorate! Get out your colored pencils and markers (paint might be too heavy) and turn your airplane into a one-of-a-kind flying machine! Find out how skilled a pilot you are by marking targets or “landing spots” for your airplane. See how accurately you can land or guide your flight path!
