Ages 4-7 · child and adult
Paper airplane: land on the runway
Fold a simple airplane and compare its flights. Then build a paper airport for it.
Set your own pace. Preparation depends on your materials.
What to gather
- A4 sheet
- Paper tape for start and runway
- Pencil
Keeping it safe Fly away from people and animals with an adult present. No staples or hard weights; stay away from roads and windows.
Choose a challenge level
Ages 4-5
The adult makes the folds; the child presses them and chooses the airport location.Ages 6-7
Bend both wing trailing edges slightly upwards by the same amount. Compare flights before and after.Step-by-step instructions
Fold the sheet lengthways and reopen. Fold both top corners into the centre crease.
Fold the new sloping upper edges into the centre again. Close the sheet along the original crease with the folds inside.
Fold each wing down, leaving a body strip about 2 cm high below it. Open both wings level. Launch gently from the same marked start into a clear space.
TATAAA
Now turn it into a game
Control tower: one player sets a wide runway and the other attempts a landing. Swap roles after three flights and reposition the runway.
When it gets tricky
Falls immediately? Level the wings and launch more gently. If it turns, check both sides are symmetrical.
When an experiment goes wrongWhen you are done
You compare three flights from the same start and choose one adjustment.
If your child does not want to continue, it is fine to stop. You can safely swap roles or adapt the rules.
What to notice
Wing shape and launch technique affect airflow and flight. Change only one thing in a comparison.
