Here's a challenge: Try throwing a paper airplane by moving just your wrist (don't move your elbow or shoulder). It's hard, isn't it? How could you get a paper airplane to fly far if you can use only a short distance to launch it? Try this activity to find out!
Tips for Parents
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Here's how to talk to your child about it
You can make a paper airplane launcher by attaching a paperclip to the nose of the airplane and using a rubber band to launch it. You can also try making different launchers using materials like cardboard, LEGOs, or wood.
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4 activities you can do with your child now
- Help your child attach a paperclip to the nose of a paper airplane using a stapler or tape. - Show them how to hook a rubber band around the tip of a pencil and loop the paperclip through the other end of the rubber band. - Encourage them to pull back the paper airplane and release it to launch it. - Challenge them to make a paper airplane launcher using different materials like cardboard, LEGOs, or wood.
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Pretend play with your child
GAME NAME: Wrist Launch Challenge GAME INSTRUCTIONS: Attach a paperclip to the nose of a paper airplane using a stapler or tape. Hook a rubber band around the tip of a pencil and loop the paperclip through the other end of the rubber band. Pull back the paper airplane and release to launch it using just your wrist. Compare its performance to throwing the plane by hand.
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1 moral thought for your child inspired by this
"Challenge yourself to find creative solutions. Just like building a paper airplane launcher, think outside the box to overcome limitations and achieve your goals."