Test Pilot With Paper Airplanes

crayola supplies

Markers
3D Sidewalk Chalk
Construction Paper

household supplies

none

Why

Draw a colorful airport runway that pops into exciting 3-D when you wear 3-D glasses. Fold your best paper airplane designs and see which ones fly the longest distance!

Steps

1. Draw an airport runway with Crayola 3-D Sidewalk Chalk on a safe outdoor surface. To create the best 3-D effects, leave a small line of empty area between each chalk color. Place cool colors such as blue, purple, and green near warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange for maximum 3-D depth. Try on the glasses as you draw to see the effects you’re creating.
2. Mark playing lines a short distance away from the targets for test pilots to stand behind. Mark a close line for younger pilots and another line a bit farther away for older pilots.
3. Using your foot as a measuring tool, mark the edge of the runway like a giant ruler. Number the marks, with the smallest number at the starting line.
4. Add colorful chalk drawings of "hazards" such as puddles, birds, and rocks on the runway. If your test plane lands in a hazard area, that flight doesn’t count.
5. Fold several paper airplanes. Decorate them with markers.
6. Take turns launching your airplanes down the runway. See which airplane flies the farthest without landing in a hazard or going off the runway! To keep score, use the number next to the mark closest to where the plane lands for each trial. Add them together for a total.
7. Other ideas: 1. Try taking an additional step backwards before tossing the airplane each round to make the contest more challenging. 2. Have everyone take turns flying the same paper airplane. Which take-off techniques work best?

When & Where

"One of my children loves to fold all sorts of paper airplanes and the other loves to draw. This is a game they can enjoy together! The 3-D features add an extra zing to the playing field. "
- Terri S., mother of ages 8 and 10.

"Our children found that drawing the hazards was as much fun as flying the planes. Using the 3-D effects they were able to add mountains and valleys around the landing strip for those planes that go off course. "
- Jamen P., father of 6-, 7-, & 11-year-olds.

Interesting Info

The longest flight by a paper airplane thrown by a person on level ground lasted 27.6 seconds. How long do your planes fly?

Safety Guidelines

3D Glasses—Should only be used for viewing 3D images. Do not wear for long periods of time or while performing physical activities. Not to be used as sunglasses.

Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.