Paper Plane

flying toys · paper crafts · physics

Made from one sheet. A paper plane is crafted from just a single piece of paper or thin cardboard that you fold into a special shape. The whole toy comes together with just your hands and a few creases.

Nose-heavy design. Paper planes are shaped like a triangle that's heavier at the front (the nose) so they fly straight when you throw them. This weight difference helps them glide through the air like a dart instead of tumbling end over end.

Simple gliders. Paper planes are gliders, which means they don't have an engine or propeller. You throw them with your hand to get them flying, and then they coast through the air on their wings.

World record holders. The longest flight ever recorded for a paper plane was over 90 feet, which is about as long as a school bus! People around the world compete to see who can make and throw the best paper planes.

Teaches aerodynamics. Building and flying paper planes helps you learn how air moves around objects and makes them fly. It's a fun way to explore real science that airplane engineers use every day.