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How to Make a UFO Glider

A UFO glider works just like a frisbee, but it has a little more pizazz. Making your own UFO gliders can be a fun outdoor activity to do with children, or you can assemble the gliders in several forms out of various materials and then experiment with which glider goes the farthest. Whether you are hot on the trail of some sneaky aliens or just having fun tossing your UFO glider in the back yard, this homemade toy is sure to be a hit.

Things You'll Need

Heavy styrofoam plate
Craft glue
Paper fruit bowls
Markers
Paper clips

Instructions

- 1
  Decorate the paper goods. Use the markers to decorate the outside of the paper bowls. You might want to draw on running lights or aliens waving out the window.
- 2
  Glue the bowls to the top and bottom of the styrofoam plate. The bottom bowl will sit in the center underneath the plate, which should be turned upside down so that the lip is pointing downward. Run a heavy line of glue around the upper lip of the bowl then position the plate on top of it. Run an equally thick line of glue around the upper lip of the top bowl, then place it upside down so that it is directly over the bowl underneath the plate. At this point, you will see your UFO clearly taking shape.
- 3
  Let the craft glue dry for about 45 minutes. You need your UFO to be extremely securely built because you are going to throw it, and it will probably bang into things.
- 4
  Place a paperclip about every 3 inches around the edge of the plate. This will weight your UPO glider and make it fly more evenly. You can experiment with fewer and more weights to see how it affects your UFO glider's flight.

Backyard Toys