Making paper airplanes

 Making paper airplanes is a classic and fun activity for kids! Here's a breakdown of how to create some good ones, focusing on simplicity and success:

Key Tips for Good Paper Airplanes:

• Sharp Creases: Clean, crisp folds are essential for a stable and well-flying plane. Use a flat surface and run your fingernail along the folds to make them sharp.
• Symmetry: Ensure both sides of the plane are symmetrical. This balance is crucial for smooth flight.
• Paper Choice: Standard printer paper is ideal. It's light and folds easily. Avoid thick or glossy paper.
• Gentle Throw: A gentle, level throw is usually better than a hard, upward toss.

Basic Dart Plane (Good for Distance):

This is a classic and easy-to-make design.

1. Fold in Half: Fold a standard sheet of paper lengthwise (hotdog style) and then unfold it.¹
2. Fold Corners: Fold the top two corners down to meet in the center crease.
3. Fold Again: Fold the new top corners down to meet in the center crease again, creating a point.
4. Fold in Half (Lengthwise): Fold the entire plane in half lengthwise, along the original center crease.
5. Create Wings: Fold each side down to create the wings.² Make sure the wings are even.

Tips for the Dart Plane:

• For added stability, you can slightly bend up the trailing edges of the wings.³

Where to Find More Designs:

• Online Tutorials:
  • Websites like HGTV and Instructables offer detailed, step-by-step instructions with pictures.⁴
  • YouTube has countless video tutorials that are great for visual learners.⁵
• Crayola:
  • Crayola has some great educational videos, that can help to teach kids about the principles of flight, while having fun making paper airplanes.⁶

Making it Fun for Kids:

• Decorating: Let kids decorate their planes with markers, crayons, or stickers.
• Contests: Have paper airplane distance or accuracy contests.
• Experimenting: Encourage kids to experiment with different folds and designs.

I hope this helps you and your kids have a blast making and flying paper airplanes!