Search for Science Fair Projects

1000 Science Fair Projects with Complete Instructions

Aerodynamics Science Fair Project

Paper Airplane Folds and Flight Distance

Medium
Paper Airplane Folds and Flight Distance | Science Fair Projects | STEM Projects
Does the way you fold a paper airplane change how far it flies? You design several planes using different fold patterns and paper types. Then you launch each one from the same spot and measure the distance. Small changes in the folds affect how much lift and stability the plane has. A plane with wider wings may glide farther. A narrow design may fly faster but drop sooner. You compare the results to find which design travels the greatest distance.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis is that the type of paper, folding technique, and launch style will affect how far a paper airplane can fly.

Method & Materials

You will plan and design your own paper airplane, testing different types of paper, folds, and launches to see which combination flies the farthest. Then, make adjustments to improve your design based on the results. For more complex paper airplane folds, follow these instructions: https://pimaair.org/great-paper-airplane-fly-off/
You will need paper, markers or pencils for decorating, and a space where you can safely test your airplanes.

Tinker Cratescience & engineering build kits for ages 9–12 — real tools, real experiments, delivered monthly. (Affiliate link)

See whats included

Results

After conducting the experiment and analyzing the results, it was observed that certain types of paper, specific folding techniques, and particular launch styles significantly impacted the flight distance of the paper airplanes. This project is a fun way to learn about aerodynamics and how different factors influence flight performance.

Why do this project?

This science project is interesting because it allows you to be an aircraft designer and pilot. You will explore the principles of flight and discover how small changes in design and technique can have a big impact on the performance of a paper airplane.

Also Consider

1. Test the effect of different wing shapes or sizes on flight distance. 2. Investigate the impact of adding weights to the airplanes on their flight performance.

Full project details

Additional information and source material for this project are available below.

Related videos

These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
Great step-by-step instructions to make and fly a paper airplane from the Boston Children's Museum! There are awesome tips too!
Follow this step-by-step video to make the paper airplane that has the longest flight time, the Sky King!
Check out these super cool paper planes - a flying tube, the tumbling wing that can fly forever and a boomerang plane that comes right back to you!
Share this Science Project:

Related Science Fair Project Ideas

Car Shape and Wind Resistance
Carve three car-shaped foam blocks and measure the wind force on each to see how much streamlining reduces drag.
Medium
Air Streams and the Floating Ball Effect
Float a ball above a hair dryer and feel the invisible force that pulls it back into the stream.
Medium
String Types and Stretch Under Weight
Hang weights from seven types of string for ten hours and discover which one refuses to stretch even a millimeter.
Medium
Share this Science Project: