Make a Simple Glider

Have you ever wanted a small glider that you could fly high and which didn't cost much? Here is an easy way to make one with simple household items.

Steps

  1. Get two drinking straws about the same size. If you don't have any on hand, stop by a local store.
  2. Take a piece of printer paper and put it on a flat surface so that it is in a cross-wise position.
  3. Fold from the top of the paper making sure each fold is about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Do this five times.
  4. Tape the flap so it won't spring off. Now you have the main wing.
  5. Separate the two straws by {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}, making sure the each end of the straw is properly aligned.
  6. Tape the wing to the two straws. The thick part of the wing should be on front. There should be a {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} gap between the thick part of the wing and the end of the straws. Check to see that the wing is exactly in the middle of the straws. The taped part of the wing should be on top.
  7. Get a piece of cereal box cardboard and cut it {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} by {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Fold it in half and then tape it to the rear end of the glider (make sure the bending point is facing up).
  8. Make two small play dough balls. They should be the right size to put at the end of the two ends of the glider. This will act as a stabilizer.
  9. Launch your glider! If it veers to one side, your play dough balls are not the same size. You may need to make a few adjustments before everything is perfect.
  10. Finished.



Tips

  • Try to make a bigger version!
  • You can use foil or light weight plastic for a different look.

Warnings

  • Watch out for bystanders when you are flying your glider, as they might get hit.
  • When you're testing your glider, be prepared for it to crash. Test it within a few feet of the ground.

Things You'll Need

  • paper
  • light weight cardboard
  • straws
  • clear tape
  • ruler
  • scissors
  • play dough

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