How to Make a Glider Out of Cardboard

Cardboard gliders are a great way to explore aerodynamics. Because gliders are quick and easy to build, you can easily explore the effect of different wing shapes, sizes and placements. Some gliders will fly quickly for short jaunts, while others will soar forever in a gentle, arcing flight. Choose your best glider, then compete with your friend for the greatest distance or longest flight.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape
• Paper clips

1. Cut a fuselage out of cardboard. It should be roughly the shape of a plane fuselage with a tail sticking up in the back.

2. Cut a wing and a tail out of cardboard. The wing and tail feather can be simple rectangles or they can be triangular with a swept back shape.

3. 
    

   Cut a slot towards the front of the fuselage for the wing and one towards the back for the tail. Slide the wing and tail into the fuselage.

4. Carefully center the tail and wing and attach them into the fuselage. You can glue them in or use duct tape as you prefer.

5. Throw the plane. It will probably pop up into the air and crash into the ground because it has no nose ballast.

6. Attach a paper clip or two onto the nose of the plane and throw it again. Keep adding paper clips until it flies well.

Tips & Warnings

• If your glider tends to fly downwards and crash into the ground, bend the rear edge of the tail up slightly. The higher the wings, the more stable your glider will be.