Today we’re making a giant paper airplane. Kids of all ages will have a blast folding and making a giant airplane. Younger kids and older kids alive can make a super awesome airplane that will soar through the sky. Not only is this giant paper airplane craft fun, but it is educational as it doubles as a STEM activity. You can make this giant paper airplane at home or in the classroom.
Giant Paper Airplane
Using a cereal box, which I suppose is thin cardboard but close enough, you can make a giant paper airplane. Kids can explore different principles of science like: technology, mathematics, and engineering.
Not only that, but it allows kids to explore different concepts like: aerodynamics, force, and design. Plus, kids can experience hands on experimentation and testing. Not to mention, they can practice fine motor skills as well.
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Related: Explore aerodynamics with this egg carton glider craft.
Supplies Needed To Make This Giant Paper Airplane
How To Make A Giant Paper Airplane
Step 1
Open the cereal box up. It needs to be one piece of large cardboard.
Step 2
Grab your scissors and cut off the glute tabs on the box so that you now have a rectangle piece of cardboard.
Step 3
Now, fold the box as you would a paper airplane. Fold the top corners in, making a triangle.
Step 4
Fold the box in half, hot dog style.
Step 5
Fold the sides down.
Step 6
Tape the airplane together across the wings to keep everything secured.
Fun Airplane Craft Tip
Do you want your airplane to survive the weather? Spray paint it! You can also put a paperclip on the nose to keep it straight.
How To Modify This Giant Paper Airplane Craft For Younger Kids
Younger kids may need help with the folding part. It may be too stiff or difficult to manipulate for smaller children. You can also let them decorate the airplane with stickers and markers.
Want to make it educational? Have them count the steps it takes to get to the airplane after they have thrown it.
How To Modify This Giant Paper Airplane Craft For Older Kids
You could create an obstacle course for your giant cardboard airplane to go through.
You could also experiment with your airplane. Tape different items to your giant airplane like: coins, small toys, plant matter, paper clips, etc. Does it make your plane harder to fly?
Turn it into a game of dodge the airplane! Try to throw the planes at each other (the planes not people) and see if you can get them to hit.
Explore The STEM Side Of This Craft
If you want to explore more of the STEM side of this craft then you can do things like:
- Have your child design different airplanes. That way they can test which design flies the best, smoothest, etc. They can explore the steps of the scientific method this way.
- You can make targets for the kids to try to reach with their airplanes.
Our Experience With This Giant Paper Airplane Craft
We had fun building our airplanes. After we had done the glider craft I wanted another craft that would let me upcycle some egg cartons I had leftover and one that would get us all engaged.
We were able to race our airplanes, throw them at targets, see whose would go the furthest, and explore ways to make them go faster or slower.
It was a good time. I hope your family has as much fun as mine did with this giant paper airplane craft.
Materials
- Empty Cereal Box
- Tape
- Scissors
Instructions
- Open the cereal box up. It needs to be one piece of large cardboard.
- Grab your scissors and cut off the glute tabs on the box so that you now have a rectangle piece of cardboard.
- Now, fold the box as you would a paper airplane. Fold the top corners in, making a triangle.
- Fold the box in half, hot dog style.
- Fold the sides down.
- Tape the airplane together across the wings to keep everything secured.
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How did your giant paper airplane turn out? Did it go far?
