Easy Paper Airplane Tutorial: Fold a Glider in 1 Minute

Paper airplanes are a timeless classic, a simple and fun way to pass the time. They're also a great way to learn about aerodynamics and how things fly. In this quick tutorial, we'll show you how to make a basic glider that's easy to fold and flies surprisingly well.

Materials You'll Need

• One sheet of paper (standard 8.5 x 11 inches works best)

Folding Instructions

1. Start with a sheet of paper. Place it in front of you with the long side facing you.
2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Make a crisp crease along the fold line.
3. Fold the top corners down to the center crease. You'll have two triangular flaps.
4. Fold the top layer of the paper down. This will create a narrow triangle shape at the top.
5. Fold the wings up. Fold the two flaps on either side of the center crease up to create the wings.
6. Adjust the wings. Bend the wings slightly upwards to give them a slight dihedral angle. This will help the plane stay stable in flight.

Tips for Flying

• Launch your plane with a smooth, underhand throw. Aim for a slight upward angle.
• Experiment with different launch angles and speeds to see how it affects the flight path.
• Try launching your plane from a higher spot for even longer flights.

Why Does It Fly?

The paper glider's shape and design create lift, which is the force that allows it to stay in the air. The wings are angled slightly upwards, creating a low-pressure area on the top of the wing and a high-pressure area on the bottom. This pressure difference creates lift, pushing the plane upwards.

Have Fun!

Paper airplanes are a fun and easy way to learn about aerodynamics and enjoy some simple fun. Experiment with different designs and see how far you can make your plane fly!

Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you'd like to see more paper airplane tutorials. Happy flying!