Explain aerodynamics to kids with a paper plane

The current Guinness Book of World Record for the furthest paper aircraft flight is 69.14 meters! This record was achieved on February 26, 2012 in North Highlands, California by John M. Collins and Joe Ayoob, with a paper plane, of course. In order to achieve a flight of this length, or anything near it, one can learn about various designs and the forces affecting flight. All this seemingly complicated learning can start with just a sheet of paper in a child’s hand.  

Why do paper airplane designs matter? 
Most kids have either made a paper airplane or seen it made by peers at some point of time. If you ask your child, you will realise that they don’t quite know whether a paper plane will fly or not. Instead of introducing a heavy word like ‘aerodynamics’, simply tell them that different designs cause paper plane or darts to fly differently. For example, a longer and thinner plane with a pointed nose will fly longer than shorter and wider ones with a blunt or heavy nose. Next, give the scientific reasoning behind this, making the plane’s design more important.   

What is aerodynamics in kid terms?  
The air around us is what helps a paper airplane fly. Ask your kid to move their extended arms through the air, to feel as if they are slicing it. They will notice that their hand is able to move more easily through the air at certain angles. That’s what aerodynamics is all about – it’s the physics that guides flight – and can be captured in a paper plane. The aerodynamics of the child’s paper airplane will determine the distance and smoothness with which it flies. Paper planes need to be glided for a bit before release and be really light to defy gravity. Point out that they also use forces of lift and thrust. Once lift, thrust, drag and weight are balanced, the simple paper plane flies longer. When you explain it this way, your child will understand 4 concepts of physics that assist in aerodynamics hands-on.  

How do you encourage kids to experiment with paper planes?  
Once you have explained the science behind a humble paper craft plane, tell your child there are various ways to fold paper to achieve longer and higher flight. Get them different types of paper, so that they understand how weight, thrust, drag and lift work together. Also get your kid to release the plane from a higher elevation or use more thrust while throwing it across the room. You can even have a little competition with your budding physics student.