A few folds, a couple of adjustments, and you have a superb paper flyer. You don’t need scissors, glue, tape, or paper clips. “The most amazing thing about a paper airplane is that all you need to make one is a sheet of paper-nothing more. Older children can also learn about plane movements like roll, yaw, and pitch. Making and playing with paper planes can lead to discussions about aerodynamics (the forces that impact plane flight): thrust, lift, drag, and gravity/weight. (Leonardo da Vinci Inventions 2008 Bellis 2015 Wright Brothers) Folded paper airplanesįolded paper airplanes are “gliders”-aircraft with no power source. “The invention of the modern airplane… depended upon the scientific analysis of the anatomy of bird wings and the invention of the internal combustion engine.” (Bellis 2015 Gliders) Both Leonardo da Vinci and the Wright brothers hoped to replicate the flight of winged animals like bats and birds. Inventors of early flying machines often were inspired by nature. These can be sources of inspiration for young aviators. Invite children to move their bodies like imaginary airplanes. When outdoors, encourage children to slow down and observe the sky.
