Introduction: A Cardboard Paper Airplane Launcher

By Lesley STEAM Learning Lab
About: The Lesley STEAM Learning Lab is a center designed to research new opportunities for learning through engagement and inquiry-based exploration. In addition to his work with Lesley, Dr. Goldowsky is principal…

This launcher can help standardize launches in a paper airplane competition or design challenge. It requires only cardboard and rubber bands to make and can launch many styles of plane without requiring the addition of paperclips or other hooks to the plane.

If you are trying to reduce the variables inherent in launching paper airplanes by hand, the launcher can provide greater consistency. This can be helpful if students are trying to test the results of design improvements or compare the performance of different models.

A simple design and common materials make it useful for remote learning. This Instructable is part of the Paper Flight Workshop: https://www.instructables.com/Paper-Flight-a-Pape...

Supplies

  • Corrugated Cardboard (one rectangle approximately 24" long and 4" wide, one rectangle 12" long x 4" wide). For strength, the corrugations must run the length of the rectangles, not across the short way)
  • Rubber Band (One rubber band 3.5 inches long and 1/8 wide (size 33) will work, or you can chain together shorter rubber bands.)
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Pen or pencil
  • Ruler

Step 1: Cut the Cardboard

Cut one rectangle of cardboard approximately 24" inches long, by 4" wide (cardboard from a recycled box works well). If your cardboard is two or three inches shorter that is ok. This will become the base of the launcher. For strength, the corrugations must run the long way — otherwise, the launcher will fold when you try to use it.

Cut out the second piece of cardboard 12" x 4" (again corrugations must run the long way). This will be for the carriage.

Draw a line down the middle of both sheets of cardboard (the long way, following the corrugations) and fold each piece of cardboard into a V-shape along the centerline.

Step 2: Make the Base

Take the longer sheet of cardboard and cut two short slits about 1/2" from the bottom on each side of the V at one end of the launcher.

Step 3: Make the Carriage

Take the shorter (12") piece of cardboard and cut a 1-inch slit at the bottom of the V on one end.

Draw a line from each corner to the end of this slit, and cut along this line, forming a "fishtail".

Step 4: Make the Carriage 2

Fold the triangular points of the fishtail inwards, overlap them, and tape them.

This forms the back of the carriage and holds the cardboard in a narrow V-shape.

Step 5: Make a Pull Tab

Use tape to make a tab to pull the carriage back. Reinforce well with tape.

Step 6: Attach the Carriage

On the front of the carriage, cut a 1" slit on the bottom, angled backward. Hook the rubber band into the slit.

Then loop the rubber band through the slits on the base.

Step 7: Ready to Launch!

Rest a paper airplane in the carriage. Hold the back of the launcher in one hand keeping the V-shape, but making sure the carriage can slide freely.

Pull back the carriage using the tab. Aim and launch!

Be safe: do not aim at people! Do not use the launcher for anything other than paper airplanes!

Step 8: Fine-tuning

Have students think about the variables involved when someone throws a paper airplane. The mechanical launcher can help you keep some of these variables constant.

You can add markings to know how much force you are using to launch the plane. To add collaborations, you can make a line where the back of the carriage rests with no tension on the rubber band, then add marks every inch. Students may also come up with their own ideas.

Can you test the launcher to see how consistent it really is?

To keep a constant angle, you can rest the launcher on a table. Alternatively, have students invent a way to mount the launcher at a fixed (or adjustable) angle. Are there other ways to keep track of the angle?

How else could you improve the design?

Please share your experiences, improvements, and student creations in the Discussions section!

This work is made possible by support from STAR, a Biogen Foundation Initiative. The team at Lesley supporting this initiative includes faculty and staff in the Lesley STEAM Learning Lab, Science in Education, the Center for Mathematics Achievement, and other related Lesley University departments and programs.