Activities / Craft
Spinning paper helicopter
One strip of paper and one paper clip, and it twirls all the way to the floor.
- Ages4+
- Time5 minutes
- A grown-up helps withThe first cuts
How to make it
- Cut from one short end down the middle of the strip, stopping halfway. These two flaps are the blades.
- Fold one blade toward you and the other away from you.
- Fold the bottom of the strip up once and slide the paper clip over the fold.
- Hold it high by the paper clip end and let go.
Why it works
As the helicopter falls, air pushes up on each blade. The blades point opposite ways, so the pushes turn the paper around instead of just slowing it down.
Try next
- Add a second paper clip. Does it spin faster or slower?
- Make the blades shorter and compare.
Safety note. Drop it from standing height. No climbing on furniture to launch it. A grown-up should be nearby for the whole activity.
Watch it
The video for this activity is on its way. It will be on our YouTube channel first.
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