How to Build a Styrofoam Glider

Prototype plane

Kids young and old always seem to have great fun when they play with toys that fly–kites, frisbees or paper airplanes. They have the best time throwing them toward the sky, watching them cut through the air for a bit and chasing them down when they return to earth. Imagine how much more fun your child will have if you help him build his own Styrofoam glider, then take him to the beach or the park to see how his craft handles in the air.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam plate or meat tray
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Scissors

Instructions

1. 

   Draw a template for your glider on the flat side of the Styrofoam plate. The wings and the body should be about the same length. Modify the pattern to meet your own style preferences, such as rounded corners or a lower cockpit--be creative.

2. Use sharp scissors or a craft knife to cut the plane pieces out of the plate. Cut around the pieces carefully so you don’t break the Styrofoam, and handle the scissors/knife with care–you don’t want to cut yourself.

3. Cut a slot in the plane’s body as indicated on the pattern using a craft knife. You will insert your wings through the slot.

4. Insert the wings and test your glider. If it doesn’t fly perfectly the first time, make adjustments to your design until you get the flight you want. You may need to move the wings forward or back, add weight to the nose or the tail, or make other modifications.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with your glider's wings and weight to get the flight you want.

• You can decorate your glider with stickers or paint.