We love engineering projects and my kids make their fair share of paper airplanes. This is a fun twist on the paper airplane, and I’ll show you how to make straw and paper airplanes.
I was amazed at just how far this simple contraption could go!
I’ve been wanting to make one of these for a while, and then along came Asia Citro’s newest book, The Curious Kids’ Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-on Activities for Ages 4-8. (affiliate).
Note: This post may contain affiliate links.
And wouldn’t you know, right there on page 123 is a project called Design a Straw Plane and Change the Parts to Change how it Flies.
Yes!
If you enjoyed my book or have a curious and creative child between the ages of 4 and 8, The Curious Kids’ Science Book is just for you.
Supplies: Make Straw and Paper Airplanes
- Cardstock paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- Straw
Directions: Make a Straw and Paper Plane
- You will need two pieces of paper for this activity: one will be half the length of the other
- Cut two strips off the end off a sheet of paper that are approximately 1″ wide.
- Cut one of the strips in half
- You will now use two pieces of paper: The long one and one of the short ones. Ours measured at roughly 1″ x 8.5″ and 1″ x 4.25″. This does not have to be precise.
- Tape the paper strips into loops
- Tape the loops to either end of a straw, making sure that they are facing the same direction.
- Fly your plane.
Extensions and Design Challenges
- Try using different lengths of paper
- Use different weights of paper
- Move the paper closer to the center of the straw
- Measure how far your plane can travel
- Make a paper airplane and compare the distances traveled
- If you enjoy making things that fly, try making a flying teabag hot air balloon.
Pin it!
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