Paper Popsicle Stick Flying Helicopter Crafts
The helicopter was inspired by drawings created by Leonardo Da Vinci in the 1400s. In the 1930s, Igor Sikorsky designed the first successful flying helicopter. Today, the helicopter remains an aircraft of which people enjoy making models. Kids will have a chance to explore their creativity and experiment with flight using paper and Popsicle stick to create a flying helicopter craft. Popsicle sticks and paper provide for experimentation because of their low cost and abundance.
-
Types of Crafts
-
There are two types of flying helicopter crafts that kids can construct with paper and Popsicle sticks. The first is a simple style, best for younger kids or if you are short on time. Using paper you will create two tabs that fold out flat in opposite directions, mimicking the blades of a helicopter. Attach the paper to a Popsicle stick and throw it through the air. Watch the small copter as it spins to the floor. The second type of craft is more of a model helicopter, and better suited for older kids. Use pictures and diagrams of helicopters to create creative blueprints, and design a light, model helicopter from paper and Popsicle sticks.
Other Materials
-
When creating a helicopter from paper and Popsicle sticks you will need other materials to hold your craft together, such basic white glue, paste or wood glue. You may also want to add other stiff, stabilizing materials to model-type crafts, such as cardboard or Styrofoam. Use toothpicks if you need smaller wooden pieces, or use an Exacto blade to cut Popsicle sticks down. If you would like to decorate your craft, markers, crayons and light-weight paints, such as watercolors are needed. Remember that heavy paints and over-decoration will weigh your craft down, making it harder to fly.
-
Experiments
-
Experiment with different styles, sizes, shapes and models to get your craft to fly. It may take several tries before your helicopter craft glides through the air as desired. Refine your helicopter craft as needed, modifying parts that are too heavy and replacing parts that prevent it from flying. Small paper copters will be the easiest to fly on the first try, while more complicated models will need several revisions.
Purpose
-
Paper Popsicle stick helicopter crafts provide a learning experience for kids. Kids will learn problem solving skills while getting a chance to express their creativity through design. Use these crafts as a bonding project for families or a way to keep children busy on a rainy afternoon. Helicopter crafts using paper and Popsicle sticks also make a creative science fair project. Children can document their attempts and methods used to get the craft to fly.
-
References
- Photo Credit Dynamic Graphics Group/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
