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  • Launchpad - Introducing the topic (10–20 mins)

    Step 1

    Gather materials and sit with the child at a table or on the floor. Begin by discussing what airplanes do and how they fly. Show pictures or videos of real airplanes flying to pique their interest.

    Step 2

    Introduce the concept of making paper planes. Show them a simple design and fold one together. Demonstrate how to fold the paper, emphasizing shapes like wings and tail.

  • Discover - Exploring the topic (20–30 mins)

    Step 1

    Use the internet or books to find different paper plane designs. Choose a few designs together and fold them. Discuss how each design looks different and predict how they might fly differently.

    Step 2

    Go to an open indoor or outdoor area where there is space to launch the planes. Start with the first design and have the child throw it gently. Observe how it flies. Use language like “Did it go far?” and “Why do you think it flew like that?”

    Step 3

    Launch the other designs one by one. Encourage the child to notice which plane flies the farthest or stays in the air longest. Discuss why they think some planes perform better than others.

    Step 4

    After testing all designs, sit down with the child and discuss the flight of each plane. Ask questions like:

    • “Which plane flew the farthest? Why do you think it went so far?” (guide the discussion by talking about wing size and shape)
    • “How did each plane move through the air?” (discuss the aerodynamics of each plane and how it ‘cuts’ moves through the air).
    • “Can you explain why planes need air to fly?” (planes need air to create lift, air pressure holds the plane up).
    Step 5

    Explain the concepts of lift (what keeps planes up), gravity (what pulls them down), drag (what slows them down), and thrust (what pushes them forward). Relate these concepts to their paper planes and encourage them to think about other things that move through the air e.g. birds.

Showcase

– Sharing the outcomes (15+ mins)
Select any option from the table or try our recommendation.

  • Make

    Record a video documenting the activity, including interviews with those involving sharing their insights and reflections.

    Compile photos, drawings, and notes from the activity into a scrapbook, highlighting what was learned and enjoyed.

    Use materials from the activity to build a model or prototype of something related to the topic, fostering hands-on learning and creativity.

    Create a game related to the activity, such as a trivia game or charades, to reinforce learning in a fun way.

  • Discuss

    Choose an object or aspect of the activity to present to the rest of the family, explaining its significance and what they learned.

    Choose a thought-provoking question or topic related to the activity and hold a family debate or discussion to explore different perspectives.

    Sit down together to discuss the activity, allowing each family member to share their thoughts, discoveries and questions.

    Have each family member prepare a short presentation about what they learned, using visuals like drawings or props to illustrate key points.

  • Write

    If the activity involved a visit to a museum or community centre, write thank-you notes to any instructors or organisers, reflecting on what has been learned.

    Collaborate on writing a fictional story or play inspired by the themes or concepts explored during the activity.

    Reflect on what has been learned during the activity and write letters to be opened at a later date, sharing thoughts, goals and aspirations.

    If the activity involved outdoor exploration, begin a nature journal to document future outdoor adventures and observations.

  • Plan

    Create a paper plane flying challenge with family members or friends. Decorate new planes together and see whose design can fly the farthest or perform a special trick. This activity can also be extended by experimenting with different materials or making modifications to existing designs to improve flight performance.

    Take time to reflect on how the activity could inspire new goals, discussing ways to incorporate similar experiences into your routine in the future.

    If the activity involved a specific topic or field of study, reach out to experts or professionals for interviews or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding.

    If you enjoyed the activity, why not share it with other families within your community? Plan a workshop or invite a friend over to re-create the experience and share your new knowledge.

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