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Paper Helicopter

Build it⏱ 5 minutesAges 5-10

Air pushes up on the blades as it falls, and the angled blades turn that push into a spin. Real helicopter blades work the same way.

Let's do it ↓

Grab this

  • 1 sheet of paper
  • Child safety scissors
  • 1 paper clip
Supplies for Paper Helicopter

Do it in 3 steps

Paper Helicopter step 1
1

Cut a long strip of paper, then cut a slit down the top half.

Paper Helicopter step 2
2

Fold the two top flaps in opposite directions and clip a paper clip to the bottom.

Paper Helicopter step 3
3

Drop it from up high and watch it spin all the way down.

Tinker Ted with a stopwatchDO IT WITH ME

Your turn! Beat the clock.

Press start, then put the screen down and build. We'll cheer when time is up.

5:00

⭐ Bonus round

Make the blades shorter. Does it spin faster or slower?

🧠 Why it works

Air pushes up on the blades as it falls, and the angled blades turn that push into a spin. Real helicopter blades work the same way.

A grown up should be nearby for every challenge. Clean up together when you are done.

Did you do it?

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