Introduction
One of the best yet easiest origami projects is a paper airplane. It is a fun craft that many people associate with their childhood. Indeed, it is extremely interesting and delightful to gather with friends, make paper airplanes, and then arrange a competition, whose plane will fly higher or farther. Probably the best thing about these airplanes is that they can be of different shapes, colors, and even types. There is unlikely a child who is not intrigued by names such as Pet Dragon, Spy Plane, Nakamura Lock, Head Hunter, and Flying Ninja (“How to Make Paper Airplanes”). Nevertheless, the mentioned types of the paper airplane are challenging to make. Therefore, it is recommended to start with the easiest type – Dart airplanes. Here is the detailed instruction on how to create one.
Preparing the Piece of Paper
To begin with, take a piece of rectangle paper of any color. Usually, it is better to choose the paper that is 8.5 x 11.0 inches (“Dart Paper Airplane”). Additionally, the paper should not be too thin or thick – it is important to take something in between. Otherwise, the airplane will either not fold and fly or break easily. Then, put it on a flat surface so that it is easier to make the airplane’s sides smooth, even, and symmetrical to one another. The next step is to fold the paper in half lengthwise to the right. Now it looks like a long rectangle, and there is a crease in the center. Finally, unfold the paper again.
Folding the Corners
This step requires full attention because it is easy to fold the wrong corners. First of all, make sure that the crease points up. Then, fold both top corners to the center (“Dart Paper Airplane”). Each corner should look even and form a right angle. In order for the folds to stay in place, crease them with a fingernail or a ruler. Next, fold the newly formed right and left corners to the center crease. Again, run a ruler across the folds to secure them. After these steps, the piece of paper should look like a big triangle.
Final Steps
Only several steps are left, and the paper airplane is ready! After folding the corners, lay the paper in such a way that the crease and corners look up again. Next, fold the paper again using the first crease as a guideline. It is important that the triangles remain inside (“Dart Paper Airplane”). To secure the fold in its place, run the ruler across the crease. Now, the bottom of the origami airplane is ready. The final steps are to form the wings by folding the right edge to the left and vice versa and then unfolding the wings so that they are tilted up a bit (“Dart Paper Airplane”). To make the paper airplane fly, hold the airplane by the bottom with the tip away from you and throw it.
Conclusion
Making a paper airplane is a great activity for family or friends. For example, parents and children may compete to see who can make five airplanes of different colors the fastest. It is also fun to throw these paper planes from tall buildings or hills. For example, the winner is the one whose airplane stays in the air the longest or makes the most turns. Do not forget about always observing safety precautions when playing with paper planes. Another way to use these origami airplanes is to make them in order to relieve stress or anxiety. It might be helpful for both parents and children while concentrating on being here and now (Sam and Rebolledo). Overall, enjoy and create your own rules when playing with paper airplanes.
Works Cited
“Dart Paper Airplane.” Origami Way. Web.
“How to Make Paper Airplanes.” Origami Way. Web.
Sam, Vanessa, and Christian Valera Rebolledo. “The Relaxing Art of Origami.” Zenger, 2021. Web.