Do the Long Range Air Shot
Build and test a long range paper glider, adjusting wings and throwing technique to measure distance and learn basic aerodynamics through repeated flights.
About this activity
Build and test a long range paper glider, adjusting wings and throwing technique to measure distance and learn basic aerodynamics through repeated flights.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials on a flat table so everything is ready and easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Fold one sheet of paper lengthwise in half and press the crease firmly with your finger.
- 3
Step 3
Open the paper and fold the top two corners down to meet the center crease to make a point at the top.
- 4
Step 4
Fold the pointed tip down about 2 cm so the tip holds the folded corners in place.
- 5
Step 5
Fold the paper in half again along the first crease with the point on the outside.
- 6
Step 6
Fold one side down to make the first wing so the wing edge lines up with the bottom of the body.
- 7
Step 7
Fold the other side down the same distance so both wings match.
- 8
Step 8
Fold small 1 cm winglets up at the ends of each wing to help the glider stay stable.
- 9
Step 9
Attach one paper clip to the nose of the glider to add a little weight.
- 10
Step 10
Lay out the measuring tape on the ground straight and flat toward your test area.
- 11
Step 11
Mark the starting line at the zero end of the measuring tape with your marker or a small piece of tape.
- 12
Step 12
Stand at the starting line and launch your glider with a gentle palm toss aiming slightly upward.
- 13
Step 13
Measure the distance from the starting line to where the glider landed and write the number down.
- 14
Step 14
Make one change to your glider like moving the paper clip or bending the winglets then launch three times and record each distance.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished long range paper glider and your flight results on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I build and test a long range paper glider (Long Range Air Shot) with my child?
To do the Long Range Air Shot, fold a streamlined paper glider (dart or glider design), add small weights like a paperclip for balance, then choose an open, calm area. Throw using a consistent overhand or underhand motion while varying launch angle and wing dihedral. Measure each flight’s distance with a tape measure, record results, and tweak wing shape, angle of attack, or weight between trials to learn how changes affect range.
What materials do I need to build a long range paper glider for the Long Range Air Shot activity?
You'll need sturdy paper or lightweight cardstock, scissors, tape or glue, paperclips or small washers for nose weight, ruler, pencil for marking, measuring tape or measuring wheel, open outdoor or gym space, stopwatch (optional), and a notebook to record distances and adjustments. A protractor or angle guide helps set wing angles, and cones or flags make landing markers. Adult scissors and outdoor supervision recommended for younger kids.
What ages is the Long Range Air Shot paper glider activity suitable for?
This activity suits children ages six and up. Young kids (six–seven) enjoy folding and throwing with adult help for cutting and measuring; ages eight to twelve can run repeated tests, record distances, and experiment with wing tweaks; teens can explore aerodynamics, tuning, and precise measurements. Always supervise launches in open spaces and adapt complexity, materials, and safety rules to each child's skills.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for the Long Range Air Shot paper glider?
Benefits include hands-on learning of lift, drag, and stability, improved measurement and recording skills, and teamwork. Safety tip: test outdoors away from roads, avoid throwing at people or pets, wear eye protection if launching hard, and supervise cutting. Variations: try different paper types (heavier cardstock, origami paper), add adjustable winglets or tail fins, experiment with launch angles and weighted noses, or make competitions for longest, most accurate, or most stable flight.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of a paper clip or measuring tape if I don’t have them?
If you don't have a paper clip, attach a small coin, washer, or a folded piece of tape to the nose of the glider, and if you don't have a measuring tape, lay a straight piece of string on the ground and mark the starting line at zero or use a ruler or smartphone measuring app to record the distance.
My glider keeps diving or won't fly straight — what should I check and adjust?
Check that the initial lengthwise crease and both wing folds are even, make sure the wings line up with the bottom of the body, try moving or adding the paper clip on the nose to change weight, and tweak the 1 cm winglets or launch angle with a gentle palm toss aimed slightly upward to correct diving or stalling.
How can I modify the steps for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger children, pre-fold the lengthwise crease and the 2 cm tip fold and help attach the paper clip and mark the starting line so they can focus on the gentle palm toss, while older kids can test different paper types, vary paper clip position, change winglet angles, and record three-launch results to analyze which changes increase distance.
What are some ways to improve or personalize our long range paper glider?
Decorate the paper, try heavier or lighter paper, add a small tail or extra nose weight, experiment with different 1 cm winglet angles and wing shapes, and compare distances using your measuring tape before sharing results on DIY.org.