How to make a Cool Paper Airplane Kids Will LOVE

Keep children entertained with a paper airplane that can fly and flap its wings.

There are various ways to make a paper airplane, and children will enjoy playing with it as they watch it fly across the room. For an extra special feature to your paper airplane, make one with wings that can flap. When thrown hard enough, the speed, air and pressure will make the wings move. Children will enjoy watching it in action.

Things You'll Need

• Paper (8 1/2 inch by 11 inch)

Instructions

1. Fold the 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper in half lengthwise.

2. Position the paper so that the opening of the fold is facing east. Fold the bottom right corner tip to align with the left edge to create a crease line.

3. Unfold the entire sheet of paper so it is its original size.

4. Hold the shorter end of the paper with the diagonal crease and fold it up so it is level with the top of the diagonal crease line.

5. Bring up the folded edge to form a crease line where the bottom edge of the paper is positioned.

6. Take the corner tips of the folded edge and fold them up to the paper's center crease line, and unfold. There will be two diagonal crease lines.

7. Line the side edges with the diagonal crease lines. Position the folded edge corner tips to the diagonal crease line to guide you.

8. Tuck the bottom left and right side flaps along the diagonal crease line into the slip of paper sitting perpendicular to the paper's center crease line.

9. Turn the paper backwards with the tip facing north.

10. Fold the bottom left and right corners up to form a diagonal crease line from the center crease line to the side's angled corner and unfold.

11. Fold the paper in half at the center crease line.

12. Bend the top layer up at the bottom edge and press down to form a 35 degree angle spread from the paper's center crease line for a diagonal crease line. Turn the paper over and fold the other layer up to match for the airplane's wings.

13. Hold the center tab of the paper; you can see the formation of an airplane. Complete the airplane by folding each side of the wings down 1/2 inch. Pull the fold back up so it is perpendicular with the top of the airplane's wings.

Tips & Warnings

• Fold your paper evenly and press down on folds firmly for a smooth finish.

• Before flying the paper airplane look at the backside of the plane and position the wings by bending them to create a "Y" shape. The airplane will fly and flap its wings if you throw the plane forward and pull down as you release it from your hand.

References

• Activity TV: Paper Airplanes - Double Flap Glider