Looking for a fun, easy, and cheap activity to do with the family?
Then look no further than paper airplanes!
Not only is this activity great for people of all ages and skill levels, but it's also a great way to bond with your loved ones.
Plus, who doesn't love making things fly?
It's a fun way to spend an afternoon together as a family, and the planes always fly better when working together!
Read on to learn how you can make your very own paper airplane.
What Are Paper Airplanes?
Similar to origami, paper airplanes are made from a single sheet of paper using folds.
These planes often have wings, tails and body parts that can be folded and manipulated to make them fly.
The basic principles of aerodynamics apply for these planes, so it's important to understand how air moves around the plane to make it fly.
How Paper Airplanes Work
Paper airplanes work by traveling through the air in a curved path.
The wings provide lift and help the plane stay afloat while its weight is carried by the air.
Lift and drag are the two main forces that motivate a paper airplane to fly.
Lift is generated by air flowing over the wings of an airplane which creates a low pressure zone above the wing.
Conversely, drag is a force that pushes back against the plane and is caused by air flowing over the surface of the plane.
The design of your plane can help it stay aloft and go farther without crashing into the ground.
A paper plane can also be manipulated by adding a weight, such as a penny, paper clip, or other small object, to its nose or point.
This change in weight helps the plane fly farther and higher, as it provides additional thrust.
Making Paper Airplanes
Creating paper airplanes is simple and fun, but there are some important considerations before attempting a flight.
Keep in mind the type of paper used, the construction and design of the plane, and how you will launch it.
Paper Selection
To start off, gather your paper.
Experiment with different types of paper to find the best one for your plane.
You can use printer paper, construction paper, newspaper, sketchbook paper, scrapbook paper, origami paper, even paper money, and more!
It's always fun to play with the paper color and design, which is why scrapbook and origami paper are lots of fun!
You can also color or decorate the paper before you make the plane.
Keep in mind that different thicknesses of paper will affect the flight.
Thicker papers are more durable and heavier, which can make the plane fly slower and lower.
Fold Type
Once you decide on the paper, it's time to fold!
There are tons of different ways to do this.
You can try out a few different paper airplane designs and techniques to find the one that works best for your specific paper airplane.
Some of the most common types include the dart, the glider, and the stunt plane.
The Internet is full of tutorials, videos and diagrams to help you along the way.
Different designs have different flight patterns and can be used to perform stunts or achieve a certain goal.
So, try out a few different designs and have fun with it!
Why Your Paper Airplane's Construction Matters
After you have decided on the type and size of paper, as well as the design, it's time to think about how you will construct your plane.
Take your time with the construction to make sure that your plane is balanced and symmetrical.
Focus on the folds, creases and other details to make sure the plane is built properly.
If your folds are uneven or the plane is lopsided, it won’t fly as well, and crisp folds and creases are essential for an accurate and stable flight, so make sure you line up the edge of your paper well when creating your airplane.
It's important to make sure that each part of the plane moves freely and does not interfere with the other parts.
This will help your plane to fly better and farther.
How to Make a Paper Airplane
Making a paper airplane is easier than you might think!
All you need is a sheet of paper and some patience since your first try might not be perfect.
Once you've got your materials ready, you can follow these simple steps or a tutorial of your preference.
1. Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
If you're using a rectangular sheet of paper, you should now have a long, skinny rectangle.
2. Turn the paper over and fold it in half again.
You should now have a smaller rectangle.
3. Fold the top corners of the paper down so that they meet in the middle.
This will create a triangle at the top of your paper.
4. Turn the paper over and repeat step 3.
You should now have two triangles at the top of your paper.
These will be the wings of your plane!
5. Fold the entire thing in half so that the triangles are touching.
This will be the body of your plane.
6. Now comes the hard part: folding the wings.
Start by folding each wing up and away from the body of the plane.
Then, fold each wing down so that it's perpendicular to the body.
Finally, fold each wing up one last time so that it's pointing backwards (toward the tail of the plane).
Launch Time!
That's it! Your plane is now ready for takeoff!
Now it's time to take your paper airplane for a spin!
To make it fly, simply hold it at the body and toss it gently forward into the air.
Experiment with different throws to see how far and how high your plane can go!
Some examples include the underarm throw, the overhand throw, and the sideways throw.
Have fun and see what kind of flight patterns you can craft!
Try out different paper plane designs with your friends and family for a fun and creative activity.
You'll be surprised at how many different ways you can fly your planes!
Family Fun and Creativity with Paper Planes
Paper airplanes are a great way to spend some quality time with your family while also getting some fresh air!
Creating one is simple and can be done with any type, size or design of paper.
Start by deciding on the paper you will use and the design of your plane.
Then, carefully follow the steps to construct a symmetrical plane with well-defined creases and folds.
Finally, take your plane for a spin and see how far it can fly!
Have fun with it and be creative to discover even more ways to design and fly your planes!
So, what are you waiting for?
Get out there and start flying!
Eager to get started with fun plane designs? Check out PRO's video!
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Be sure to check out all of our creative chronicles!
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