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How to Make a Rubber-Band Propelled Airplane

Most children learn the scientific principles behind aerodynamics in the classroom. Assisting them with a hands-on project demonstrating and clarifying the principles of flight promotes a more thorough understanding of how they work in a practical application. This activity takes an engaging approach to first-hand scientific exploration of flight using simple materials. Parents who want to keep children interested in educational activities throughout summer vacation may want to consider this project.

Things You'll Need

Pencil
Ruler
Rubber band
Scissors
Balsa wood
Propeller
Marker
Razor knife
Paper clip
Pliers
Flat surface
Wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  Use a pencil and ruler to measure and draw out the rectangular pieces of your plane. Two pieces should measure 6 inches in length and 2 inches in height. The third piece is 3 inches long and 1 inch high, the fourth piece is a 2 inch by 2 inch rudder.
- 2
  Cut the rubber band with scissors so that it unfolds. Use the scissors to cut out the wood pieces. Fold the rubber band in half. Hold the ends and make a loop. Pull both ends through the loop to make an overhand knot as close to the ends as possible. Make sure the knot is tight and cut off the remaining ends with the scissors.
- 3
  Push the corners of one 6 by 2 inch piece into the ground. Slide the wood into the propeller. This piece acts as the fuselage of the plane. Divide the fuselage into three parts using the ruler. Mark the first part near the propeller with the marker and cut a two inch long slit at this point with the razor knife.
- 4
  Lay the rubber band beside the fuselage with the knot on the opposite end of the side that has the propeller. Secure the rubber band loop over the hook connected to the propeller.
- 5
  Open the paper clip into a straight line. Place it alongside the ruler and mark it at one inch. Cut at the point you marked with the pliers. Bend the paper clip and one end using the pliers to form a small loop.
- 6
  Lay the fuselage on a flat working surface. Pull the rubber band out so that it is straight without stretching it. Use the marker to make a dot right before the end knot.
- 7
  Hold the looped end of the paper clip with pliers and push the straight end of it into the fuselage at the marked dot. Twist the paper clip so that the loop opening at the top faces away from the propeller then glue around the base to secure it.
- 8
  Cut a second slit for the back wing that is an inch long on the opposite side of where the paper clip sits going to the very end of the fuselage.
- 9
  Push the remaining 6 by 2 inch piece through the first slit you made and the 3 by 1 inch piece of balsa wood through the second slit and glue them in place.
- 10
  Center the rudder piece on top of the rear wing and glue. Give the glue approximately three hours to dry.
- 11
  Turn the propeller and release the plane in whatever direction you want it to fly.

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