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Want to make a fun, simple, and quick project with a child, but don't have a lot of supplies or ideas? Try making a paper helicopter. When you drop this helicopter from your hand, it will slowly spin until it reaches the floor. There are different ways to make the helicopter , different papers to use , and more, and in this article, we get into it all. Read on to learn how to make a paper helicopter quickly and easily!
Making a Paper Helicopter: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- Fold a 5-inch x 7-inch (12.7 cm x 17.78 cm) index card in half lengthwise.
- Fold it again lengthwise at the crease from the first fold.
- Fold the card widthwise to make the body of the helicopter.
- Fold the card’s loose ends down by 1 inch to make the wings.
- Hold the base together with a paperclip.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Make a Paper Helicopter
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Cut your piece of paper to size. Large index cards, usually 5 inches (12.7 cm) by 7 inches, work really well for this project, so use one if you already have index cards at home. Cut the paper, into a rectangle that’s approximately 2 1 ⁄ 2 inches (6.4 cm) wide and 7 inches long.
- These measurements do not need to be totally exact, so don't worry if you are a little bit off. What matters is that the paper is much longer than it is wide.
- Arts and crafts specialist Amy Guerrero says, if possible, draw your lines using a ruler so your cuts are straight. [1]
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Draw the guidelines for your helicopter on the paper. Draw a line down the middle of the paper lengthwise and a line down the middle of the paper widthwise. These lines will guide the cuts and folds required to make your helicopter. [2] X Research source- This step isn’t necessary, but it’s useful for making a good helicopter.
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Fold your paper in half lengthwise, then slightly cut down the crease. Once you’ve made the crease, unfold the paper and lay it flat. Then, cut a little less than halfway down the crease, saving about 0.5 in (1.27 cm) of space. This will create the two flaps that will become the wings of your helicopter.
- Origami expert Robert Homayoon says that origami packs have tools you can use if you don’t want to make a crease with your finger. [3]
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Robert Homayoon
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- Origami expert Robert Homayoon says that origami packs have tools you can use if you don’t want to make a crease with your finger. [3]
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Robert Homayoon
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Make two small cuts toward the center line halfway down the length of the paper. Make the first cut just below the smaller center line on the right, then turn the paper and make the second cut right across without reaching the first. Position these cuts about 0.5 in (1.27 cm) below where your first cut ends. Be careful not to connect them, or else the bottom of your helicopter will get cut off.
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Fold both of the bottom sections made from the second cut. Fold the flaps formed from the previous step in towards the center crease. Then, refold the center crease to reinforce it. These folds will form the bottom of your helicopter. [4] X Research source
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Fold the top flaps on the unfolded side of the paper down. Head to the flaps you made when you cut your paper almost halfway down lengthwise, and fold them down in opposite directions. When you complete your fold, make sure there is one flap on both sides of the paper. [5] X Trustworthy Source NASA Independent agency of the U.S. government in charge of the aerospace research and the space program Go to source
- Once you have folded and creased them, open these flaps up halfway to form the wings of your helicopter.
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Add a paperclip to the bottom of the helicopter. The paper clip will hold the bottom flaps closed and add a little weight to the helicopter. Use a lightweight paperclip to avoid weighing the paperclip down too much. After you add the paper clip, you're done making your helicopter!
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Test drop your helicopter from a variety of heights. When you drop the helicopter, it should spin gracefully to the ground. Experiment by dropping it from different heights. See if the way it flies changes. When it’s weighed down, use various sizes of paperclips and see which works best. [6] X Trustworthy Source NASA Independent agency of the U.S. government in charge of the aerospace research and the space program Go to source
- You can also cut the wings, so they are thinner or thicker, to get the best flight.
- If the helicopter can’t fly with the paperclip, remove it and see how the helicopter fares.
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Section 2 of 4:
How to Make a Small Paper Helicopter
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Fold your index card in half lengthwise. Crease the fold with your finger or the edge of your paperclip. Then fold it in half lengthwise again, remembering to crease this fold as well.
- Use a 5 inch (12.7 cm) by 7 inch index card.
- After folding, the width of your index card will be a quarter of its original size.
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Fold the index card in half again, this time widthwise. Take the slimly-folded index card and fold it widthwise to make the body of your helicopter. Make a strong crease in the fold to ensure that it stays in place.
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Fold the loose ends down by 1 inch (2.54 cm) and hold the base with a paperclip. Fold the left side first, then flip the paper over and fold the right side. Once both sides are folded, open them both up halfway while you hold the base to form the wings of your helicopter. Then, attach a paperclip to the base of the helicopter to secure it and add a little weight. [7] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI need an experiment that is exciting, stimulating, and that provides opportunities to learn scientific process skills. Would this project work for that?Community AnswerCreating a paper helicopter is a project geared more toward younger children. From your writing, you seem old enough for something more challenging.
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QuestionIs this science experiment appropriate to teach to 18 - 19-year-olds?Community AnswerPeople of all ages may enjoy this homemade project! It may not hold interest, though.
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QuestionWhy do I need to use a paper clip when creating a paper helicopter?Community AnswerIt adds weight to the helicopter, keeping it upright. This is very important, or else the “wings” will flip as it is dropped.
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References
- ↑ Amy Guerrero. Arts & Crafts Specialist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-paper-mars-helicopter/
- ↑ Robert Homayoon. Origami Expert. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/make-a-paper-mars-helicopter/
- ↑ https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/make_a_paper_mars_helicopter.pdf
- ↑ https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/make_a_paper_mars_helicopter.pdf
- ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/science/activity/roto-copter
- ↑ https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/drag/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To create a paper helicopter, cut a piece of paper to be 2.5 inches wide and 7 inches long. Next, fold your paper in half lengthwise, crease it, unfold the paper, and lay it flat. Then, cut halfway down the crease and make 2 small cuts in toward the center line. Fold both of the bottom sections down in opposite directions, crease them, and open these flaps up halfway to form the wings of your helicopter. Lastly, slide a paperclip on the bottom of the helicopter to hold the bottom flaps closed and give your helicopter a spin! For tips on drawing guidelines to help you make clean folds, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I am a girl guide leader in the UK. I was impressed with what was available, as we wanted the girls to be able to produce 3 types of "planes" to decorate and show lengths of speed etc. They will be working on this project on Wed, 4th Oct. Can't wait!" ..." more
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"I am a girl guide leader in the UK. I was impressed with what was available, as we wanted the girls to be able to produce 3 types of "planes" to decorate and show lengths of speed etc. They will be working on this project on Wed, 4th Oct. Can't wait!"
..."
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"Very easy to do, and works with toddlers. My 2-year-old destroyed my delicate paper airplanes after being inspired by the show Agent Oso. So glad to have found paper helicopters instead and my son can enjoy it more without tearing paper apart."
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"It's very good for children. It's awesome. I liked it, thanks."
"Great to have videos of each step! Thanks!"
"It showed me nice ideas."
