Make a Whirlybird from Paper

Introduction

Have you ever seen a helicopter flying through the air? Have you ever wondered how they fly—or if you could try flying one yourself? This fun activity will help you get started at home building a simple paper helicopter. And you will learn a little bit about what keeps these amazing vehicles aloft.

Credits

Materials

• Computer with access to a printer to print the whirlybird template. (If you do not have access to a printer, you can use a ruler and pencil to draw your own whirlybird template based on the online one.)
• Printer paper
• Scissors
• Several paper clips
• A safe, high place from which to drop the whirlybirds (You could have an adult help you stand on a chair or choose a balcony with safe railing, for example.)
• Optional: stopwatch