How to Build Gliders

Balsa wood gliders can be flown without glue or tape.

Gliders sail through the air without the use of engines or propellers. You can make your own glider using a wood, such as balsa, that is light enough to allow the glider to fly without weighing it down too much. Once you are finished making the balsa wood glider, you can take turns flying it with friends to see who can make the glider fly through the air the farthest.

Things You'll Need

• 2 balsa wood rectangles, 2 by 6 inches
• Ruler
• Balsa wood rectangle, 2 by 2 inches
• Craft glue

Instructions

1. Place a 2-by-6-inch piece of balsa wood horizontally on a table top. This will be the glider base.

2. Measure 2 inches from one side, and apply a small amount of craft glue to the balsa wood's top edge.

3. Place a second piece of 2-by-6-inch balsa wood perpendicularly onto the glue, making sure that the wood is even on both sides. This piece will be the wings of the glider.

4. Place a 2-inch line of craft glue onto the other end of the glider base.

5. Place a 2-inch square piece of balsa wood vertically onto the glued area. This will be the glider's tail, which will help keep the glider upright when it soars through the air. Allow the glue to dry before flying your glider.

References

• Think Quest: Balsa Glider

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish