Book 3, Question 5 · Video
Why Do Paper Airplanes Fly?
A paper plane is really a tiny wing that you throw. The paper is both the body and the wing, and your throw gives it speed. Air flows over the wide paper wings, and that helps the
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do paper airplanes fly?
The Big Idea
A paper plane is really a tiny wing that you throw. The paper is both the body and the wing, and your throw gives it speed. Air flows over the wide paper wings, and that helps the plane glide! That is why a tiny piece of paper can travel across a whole room!
Step 1
Step one: fold a stiff wing. Crisp, sharp folds keep the paper firm and flat. A stiff wing holds its shape as air rushes by. A stiff wing does not flap or bend, so it can keep its shape while it flies.
Step 2
Step two: throw it and give it speed. A smooth, gentle throw sends it forward. Air splits and flows over and under the paper wings. Try a gentle throw first. A soft, smooth throw often works better than a hard one.
Step 3
Step three: lift plus glide. The wings make a little lift, so the plane sinks slowly while moving forward. Then the speed runs out, and it lands softly. Because the plane is light, it drifts down slowly instead of dropping fast.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at a paper plane! The nose is the pointy front. The wings make the lift. And the tail helps keep it flying straight. Bent wing tips can even make it glide differently! Every part of the plane has a job, and they all work together.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Weight in the nose helps it fly straight. A crumpled paper ball has no wing, so it just drops. Bent wing tips can change how it glides. Engineers test small wing models, too. Try folding new shapes and see what happens. Every plane is a small experiment!
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! First, fold two paper planes. Next, put a paper clip on the nose of one plane. Which one flies straighter, and why do you think so? If you throw them outside, bring a grown-up. Change only one thing at a time, so you know what made the difference.
Outro
A paper plane is a tiny wing you throw. Fold, fly, and try again! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!