Make a Folding-Wing Glider

Take paper airplanes to the next level by building a high-flying glider that mimics the wings of a bird in flight!

 

Materials Needed

• Paper (Standard printer 8.5" x 11"paper)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fold a sheet of paper in half lengthwise to create a center crease, then unfold it flat and flip over.

Step 2: Fold the top two corners inward to meet at the center crease, forming a top triangle.

Step 3: Fold the top triangular point forward toward you, then fold it back on the other side.

Step 4: Make precise diagonal folds on each side to begin forming the wing shape and central body.

Step 5: Make four additional accent folds along the body and wing edges to establish flexible hinge lines.

Step 6: Crease the center ridge securely to form the main structural spine of the glider.

Step 7: Open up both wings so they fan out horizontally on either side.

Step 8: Bend the small rear tail flap slightly upward.

Step 9: Launch your glider into the open air and watch its wings flap smoothly as it glides!

Learn More

When you launch your glider, air flows over and around the paper wings to create an upward force called lift! Because the folds give the paper wings built-in flexibility, changes in air pressure and minor upward pitches cause the wings to flex up and down as it glides through the air. Bending the rear tail slightly upward acts like the tail flaps on a real airplane, redirecting air to lift the glider's nose and maintain steady flight as its wings flap!

If your young aviator loved exploring flight and aerodynamics, take to the skies with the Flex & Fly Plane Launcher from the KiwiCo Store!