Science Experiment: Aerodynamics - Paper Airplanes

If you love airplanes, try out some of these paper creations in Building Vehicles That Fly. These paper engineering projects will help you learn the science behind how planes are designed and built. If you understand how the forces of aerodynamics work, you can make a plane out of paper that flies really far! In several of the books listed below the directions are really clear with color photographs to help you make the folds correctly. Start out with a couple easy ones and then try something more challenging.

Try some at Home! What You Need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paper Clips

Do an experiment with three paper airplanes folding the exact same way with the exact same size of paper. Fly all three planes and measure how far they go. What happens if you add one paperclip to each? What happens of you add 2? Or 3? Record your results.

Websites, Printables & Activities:

• NASA: How to Make a Dart Airplane
• NASA: How to Build a Paper Jet Model
• NASA: How to Make a Blunt Nose Airplane
• NASA: Four Forces on an Airplane
• NASA: What Is Aerodynamics?
• Printable: PBS Kids Fetch Hang Time
• Exploratorium Try This! Paper Airplanes
• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Airplane Models & Toys

You can also ask a math and science expert for homework help by calling the Ask Rose Homework Hotline. They provide FREE math and science homework help to Indiana students in grades 6-12.

Books:

Use your indyPL Library Card to check out books about buoyancy at any of our locations, or check out e-books and e-audiobooks from home right to your device. Need help? Call or ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or text a librarian at 317 333-6877.