Experiments
Paper Airplane Test Flight
Build three different planes and run real flight tests to find the champion.
Ages 8 to 13
30 minutes
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Get ready
2 minutes. Clear a hallway or a long room and mark a starting line with tape.
What you’ll need
Printer paper, tape, a tape measure or a long string, and a pen.
Let’s play
1. Each of you folds three different plane designs. Try a dart, a glider and one you invent.
2. Throw each plane three times from the start line and measure the distance.
3. Write down the best throw for each plane.
4. Pick the winner and change one thing, like the wing angle or a paper clip on the nose.
5. Test again and see if the change helped.
Your part in the adventure
Be a serious competitor and a fair judge. Measure every throw honestly.
What they’re discovering
They’re testing one change at a time, measuring results and learning how design affects flight.
Before you begin
Aim away from faces, pets and anything breakable.
Keep the idea going
Ages 8 to 9 can just compare distance. Ages 11 to 13 can test time in the air too and chart the results.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.