Theme: STEM and Creativity
Grandpa School Lesson: “Big discoveries start with small folds.”
Introduction
Even the best pilots began with paper airplanes!
When you build and test your design, you learn about balance, lift, and thrust — just like real engineers.
Flight Facts
Paper airplanes fly because air pushes against their folded surfaces.
A good design balances weight, symmetry, and lift.
Changing wing shape or folds alters how far and straight they fly.
Try It Yourself!
- Fold a sheet of paper into your favorite airplane design.
- Try it out! See how far it goes.
- Adjust the wings and nose — test again.
- Add paperclips to observe how weight affects flight.
Bonus: Host a “Flight Day” with friends and track your results!
Glossary
- Symmetry: Equal on both sides.
- Aerodynamics: The study of how air flows around objects.
- Fold: a crease that alters a plane’s shape.
- Test Flight: A trial flight to see how something functions.
True or False Quiz
- Paper airplanes demonstrate real science.
- Adding weight can affect how they fly.
- The smallest airplane is always the best.
- Folding neatly helps keep the flight balanced.
- Wings also help lift paper airplanes.
(Answers: 1–True, 2–True, 3–False, 4–True, 5–True)
Grandpa School Wisdom
Grandpa says, “When your paper plane soars, so does your imagination.”
The power of flight isn’t in engines — it’s in curiosity.
Enjoy more Grandpa School stories on our Grandpa School blog. Additionally, explore our free activity guides for grandparents and grandchildren, or browse the full Grandpa School book series by C.S. Duncan.
