Teaching kids how to make paper airplanes isn’t just a fun activity. It’s also an opportunity to build fine motor and critical thinking skills. Plus, it introduces them to the basic concepts of aerodynamics, such as lift, drag, and thrust.
Ready to get started? Follow our simple step-by-step directions for making three different paper airplanes. You’ll learn how to fold a dart plane, a glider plane, and a stunt plane. There’s even a free printable with instructions so kids can follow along as they soar into a world of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning!
Dart Plane
Step 1: Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Unfold. Then fold both top corners into the center crease.
Step 3: Fold both top edges into the center crease.
Step 4: Fold the paper in half lengthwise along the existing crease.
Step 5: Fold both edges down to meet the bottom fold.
You finished the dart plane!
Glider Plane
Step 1: Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Unfold. Then fold both top corners into the center crease.
Step 3: Fold the paper in half lengthwise along the existing crease.
Step 4: Fold both edges down to meet the bottom fold.
Step 5: Fold the bottom of both wings up to meet the top fold.
You finished the glider plane!
Stunt Plane
Step 1: Fold the paper in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Unfold. Then fold both top corners into the center crease.
Step 3: Fold the top point down to touch the bottom of the folded edge.
Step 4: Fold the paper in half lengthwise along the existing crease.
Step 5: Fold both edges down to meet the bottom fold.
You finished the stunt plane!
Paper Airplane Printable Directions
Ready to save and print your free paper airplane printable directions? Just click the orange button to fill out the form at the top of this page.
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Plus, check out our favorite STEM activities.
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